Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation is expanding its focus beyond commercial electric air taxis to include defense applications through a partnership with L3Harris Technologies to develop a gas-turbine hybrid vertical take-off and landing aircraft for military use [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Development - Joby Aviation has signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies to explore the development of a new aircraft class, specifically a gas-turbine hybrid VTOL that can operate autonomously for defense applications [2]. - The new VTOL will be based on Joby's existing S4 aircraft platform, which has primarily been developed with an all-electric powertrain [3]. - Joby previously demonstrated a hydrogen-electric hybrid version of the S4 that achieved a flight range of 521 miles, significantly exceeding the range of its battery electric prototype [3]. Group 2: Testing and Certification - The agreement with L3Harris is currently exploratory, with hopes that upcoming flight tests and operational demonstrations will lead to a military contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) [4]. - Flight testing is scheduled to begin this fall, with operational demonstrations expected in 2026 [4]. - Joby has been working towards obtaining Type 1 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for its all-electric VTOL aircraft, aimed at urban passenger transport [4]. Group 3: Strategic Insights - Joby has collaborated with the DoD for nearly a decade, focusing on understanding the requirements necessary to meet military needs, particularly emphasizing the importance of range [5]. - The company aims to demonstrate the "missionization of its platform," integrating sensors, autonomy, communications, and payload capabilities to provide clear use cases for the DoD [7]. - L3Harris is expected to contribute its expertise in long-range, crewed-uncrewed teaming for various missions, including low-altitude support operations [8][9].