Joby Aviation is known for electric air taxis but has also pursued a parallel path through a long-term U.S. military partnership. Department of Defense. That partnership may now be bearing fruit.
Joby announced a deal with L3Harris to explore developing a gas-turbine hybrid VTOL aircraft with autonomous capabilities for military use.
Adapting the S4 Platform for Extended Range and Military Use
Joby will base the hybrid VTOL on its existing S4 platform. The company later converted the all-electric S4 into a hydrogen-electric hybrid, which flew 521 miles—more than double the range of its battery-powered version.
The L3Harris partnership could lead to a DoD contract, pending flight tests and demonstrations. Joby plans to begin flight testing in the fall, with demonstrations anticipated in 2026.
Joby has dedicated years to developing its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and pursuing Type 1 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, with plans to use the aircraft for short-distance passenger transport in urban settings.
Joby’s Strategic Partnership with the Department of Defense
Joby has spent nearly a decade working with the DoD, helping it understand key requirements for successful military collaboration, said executive chairman Paul Sciarra.
“Range proved to be one of the most critical factors,” Sciarra said. “We realized we had to adapt accordingly.”
Sciarra emphasized the need to demonstrate the “missionization” of Joby’s aircraft—showing how the platform integrates sensors, autonomous systems, communications, and payloads to meet specific DoD requirements.
“We had two options: either develop all of this capability in-house or team up with a strong partner who already has extensive expertise and proven technologies in these areas,” he explained.
That’s where L3Harris enters the picture.
Hybrid VTOL to Support Diverse Low-Altitude Military Missions
L3Harris’ Jon Rambeau said the hybrid VTOL will enable long-range crewed and uncrewed missions. Sciarra added it could support low-altitude operations like contested logistics, electronic warfare, and C-UAS.
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