NASA elevates future travel, unveils testing for US Air Force's electric air taxi
NASA gears up to test the US Air Force's pioneering ‘electric air taxi,’ marking a leap in sustainable aviation. Exciting skies ahead!
Highlights
- NASA collaborates with the US Air Force to test the groundbreaking ‘electric air taxi’ in a pioneering initiative
- The electric air taxi signifies a move towards eco-friendly aviation, aligning with efforts for cleaner and greener transportation
- NASA's involvement in testing showcases its commitment to exploring futuristic and sustainable modes of air transportation technology
California-based Joby Aerospace has delivered its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as an ‘air taxi,’ to the United States Air Force. The collaboration comes under an agreement between the Air Force's AFWERX program and NASA to explore the integration of such vehicles into the country's airspace.
NASA & AFWERX collaboration
AFWERX, the Technology Directorate of the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), serves as the innovation arm of the Air Force. NASA and AFWERX are actively collaborating on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Parimal Kopardekar, integration manager for NASA's AAM mission, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that it brings together top talent and resources to accelerate the future of the air mobility industry.
NASA's testing focus & timeline
NASA pilots and researchers will commence testing the Joby aircraft, emphasising aspects such as air traffic management, flight procedures, and ground-based infrastructure, starting in 2024. The testing will leverage NASA's skilled pilots and advanced hardware, including the Mobile Operating Facility—a mobile research lab. The primary goal is to create a blueprint for the seamless integration of diverse air transportation systems in the future.
Immediate use cases and future prospects
The initial applications of these eVTOL aircraft are expected to focus on emergency responses, such as combating wildfires and delivering medical supplies. NASA aims to not only work on and refine these technologies but also to contribute to the advancement of the entire air taxi and drone industry.
Driving innovation for future air transportation systems
The collaboration between Joby Aerospace, the US Air Force, and NASA signifies a step forward in driving innovation for the future of air transportation. By involving leading aerospace entities and leveraging NASA's testing capabilities, the initiative aims to pave the way for the integration of electric air taxis into everyday airspace scenarios.
The delivery of Joby's air taxi to the US Air Force is a significant milestone in the broader landscape of Advanced Air Mobility. As testing progresses, the insights gained from this collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping the blueprint for the coexistence of diverse air transportation systems, with implications for emergency services and the broader scope of urban air mobility.
In recent years, a number of significant air taxi firms, including Joby, Archer, Lilium in Germany, and Vertical Aerospace in England, have gone public. Investors contributed more than $150 million to each of Archer, Joby, and Lilium this year. Numerous businesses now have closer relationships to significant automakers or airlines.
