Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies announced on August 1, 2025, that they are teaming up to build a new hybrid VTOL aircraft for defense. This project aims to create an aircraft that can fly with a pilot or on its own, with flight tests set for fall 2025 and demonstrations planned for 2026.
The partnership between Joby and L3Harris focuses on developing a hybrid gas-turbine and electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This new aircraft will be based on Joby’s S4 platform, which was originally designed as an all-electric VTOL. By adding a gas-turbine hybrid system, the aircraft will have a longer range and more flexibility for different missions. The goal is to show the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that this new hybrid VTOL can meet military needs, with hopes of winning a contract after successful demonstrations.
Key Features and Timeline
- Announcement Date: August 1, 2025
- Partnership Scope: Develop a new hybrid VTOL for defense, combining Joby’s S4 platform with a gas-turbine hybrid powertrain
- Flight Testing: Begins fall 2025
- Operational Demonstrations: Planned for 2026, including participation in military exercises
- Objective: Secure a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense after demonstrations
The hybrid VTOL will be able to fly both with a pilot and autonomously. This means it can be used for missions where it is safer or more effective to have no crew onboard. L3Harris will add advanced sensors, communication tools, and systems that allow the aircraft to work with other crewed and uncrewed vehicles. This makes the hybrid VTOL suitable for missions like moving supplies in dangerous areas, electronic warfare, and stopping enemy drones.
Technical Details and Capabilities
The new aircraft will use a hybrid power system, combining gas-turbine and electric power. This setup gives it a longer range than earlier battery-powered models. For example, a previous hydrogen-electric version of the S4 flew 521 miles, which is more than double the range of the battery-only prototype. The hybrid system will help the aircraft fly farther and stay in the air longer, which is important for military missions.
L3Harris will “missionize” the aircraft, meaning they will add special equipment to make it ready for defense jobs. This includes:
- Advanced sensors for spotting threats and gathering information
- Secure communications for talking to other aircraft and ground teams
- Electronic warfare tools to protect against enemy attacks
- Autonomous features so the aircraft can fly itself or work with other uncrewed vehicles
The hybrid VTOL will be tested in real military scenarios to show how well it can handle different tasks. The DoD will watch these tests closely to decide if the aircraft meets their needs.
Statements from Leaders
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, and Paul Sciarra, Executive Chairman, both stressed how important it is to work with L3Harris to speed up the process of getting this technology into defense use. Sciarra said, “Missionization is key, and L3Harris brings the experience we need to make this happen quickly.”
Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, said, “This new vertical lift technology could allow for long-range missions and teamwork between crewed and uncrewed aircraft across many types of missions.”
Why This Matters for Defense and Industry
This project fits with the DoD’s push for new technology that helps the military move quickly and safely, even in dangerous places. The hybrid VTOL’s ability to fly with or without a pilot, and its long range, make it a strong choice for modern military needs. The partnership also shows how companies like Joby and L3Harris can bring together commercial and defense technology, possibly leading to more projects like this in the future.
Joby is also working on getting FAA Type 1 certification for its commercial electric VTOLs. The defense version will need to go through separate military approval processes, but lessons learned from the FAA process may help.
Step-by-Step Plan
- Agreement Signed: August 1, 2025
- Missionization: L3Harris adds defense systems to the S4 platform
- Flight Testing: Starts fall 2025, focusing on hybrid power and autonomous flight
- Operational Demonstrations: Set for 2026, including military exercises
- DoD Evaluation: The military checks if the aircraft meets their needs
- Possible Contract: If tests go well, the DoD may order the aircraft
Agreement signed
Flight testing begins
Operational demonstrations planned
DoD evaluation of aircraft
Possible contract with DoD if tests are successful
Expert Opinions and Industry Impact
Industry experts see this partnership as a smart way to bring advanced air mobility technology into defense. By combining Joby’s experience with electric VTOLs and L3Harris’ knowledge of defense systems, the project could set a new standard for military aircraft.
DoD officials have shown interest in hybrid and autonomous VTOLs because they can help the military respond faster and keep people safer. The ability to use the aircraft with or without a pilot gives commanders more options for different missions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this partnership could also lead to new jobs and skills in the aerospace and defense industries. If the hybrid VTOL proves successful, it may open doors for more commercial uses or even help other countries looking for similar technology.
Background and History
Joby is best known for its work on electric air taxis, but it has also worked with the government on defense projects before. L3Harris is a major player in defense, with experience in mission systems, autonomy, and electronic warfare. Together, they bring a strong mix of skills to the hybrid VTOL project.
Looking Ahead
If the 2026 demonstrations go well, the DoD could start a multi-year program to buy these hybrid VTOLs. This would be a big step forward for both companies and could lead to more projects that use hybrid or autonomous aircraft for military and commercial purposes.
There is also a chance that the technology developed for this project could be used in other areas, such as emergency response or cargo delivery. The ongoing work to certify commercial versions of the aircraft with the FAA may also help speed up approval for military versions.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
For those interested in following this project or learning more about hybrid VTOL technology, it’s a good idea to check official sources like the U.S. Department of Defense for updates. Companies, workers, and students interested in aerospace or defense careers should watch for new opportunities as these technologies grow.
In summary, the Joby and L3Harris partnership on a hybrid VTOL marks a major step in defense aviation. With testing and demonstrations set for the next two years, the project could change how the military uses aircraft and open new paths for advanced air mobility.
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