The US has partnered with L3Harris Technologies and Joby Aviation to develop a hybrid aircraft for the defense sector.
Jobya global leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, announced its collaboration with L3Harris for the armed forces project.
The plan is to produce a hybrid gas turbine VTOL designed for low-altitude flights. The project aims to provide two flight modes, allowing the aircraft to be operated by a pilot or used for fully autonomous missions.
“The next generation of vertical lift technology enables long-range integration, both crewed and uncrewed, across a variety of missions,” said Jon RambeauPresident of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris.
“We have worked closely with the Department of Defense over the past decade to give them a privileged position in the development of our dual-use technologies,” said JOEBEN FUNIRTSfounder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
“Our country depends on companies like ours that move quickly, and we have the team, technology, and platform to do just that.”
Flight testing is expected to begin later this year, with companies planning operational demonstrations during government exercises as early as 2026.
Flying is what we do best. Test pilot Zach Reeder took to the skies over Edwards AFB, performing a transition flight and pushing the boundaries of what’s next. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/oBnCPWAoMK
— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) July 31, 2025
Photo and video: X @jobyaviation / Joby. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
