Californian start-up Joby Aviation has announced that it has completed pre-production tests on its eVTOLs, multirotor vertical take-off aircraft that can be flown remotely but also require a pilot on board. The company is ready to start a new phase of testing after the two tests aircraft have travelled a total of 53,000 kilometres and made 1,500 flights.
Tests are crucial to demonstrate compliance with safety and performance requirements set by aviation regulators. In addition, these tests are also carried out as a matter of market acceptance. Testing can help demonstrate the effectiveness, safety and reliability of eVTOLs, thus helping to gain approval and adoption by potential users.
The current aircraft represent the second generation of eVTOLs for Joby and, according to CEO JoeBen Bevirt, their performance has met or exceeded expectations throughout the programme, successfully meeting targets for maximum range, speed and acoustic footprint.
“Over the past four years, we have thoroughly tested and studied our aircraft in flight, from precision landing to outwash and human factors. We often made multiple flights per day, demonstrating our ability to fly in a wide variety of weather and operational conditions,” said James Denham, Joby’s chief test pilot.
