SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Joby Aviation , Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a pioneer in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed the third of five stages in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process, marking a significant step towards commercial passenger service.
The company, which is focused on creating electric air taxis, has had its certification plans for the aircraft's structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as cybersecurity, human factors, and noise, reviewed and accepted by the FAA. This acceptance is crucial as it allows Joby to proceed with submitting test plans and begin for-credit testing across all areas of the aircraft program.
As the first eVTOL company to reach this milestone, Joby is now concentrating on the fourth stage of the certification process, which involves completing tests and analysis for FAA credit on every component and system, as well as the entire aircraft.
In the latter part of last year, Joby carried out 30 for-credit tests that included flight electronics units and structural materials. These tests are foundational for the company's continued expansion of FAA for-credit testing. Additionally, Joby recently achieved another milestone by receiving its Part 145 Repair Station Certificate from the FAA, enabling it to perform select maintenance activities on aircraft.
Joby's electric air taxi is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. The company touts the vehicle's high-speed mobility, significantly reduced noise compared to helicopters, and zero operating emissions.
The progress made by Joby Aviation is a step forward in the urban air mobility market, although the company acknowledges that its success hinges on various factors, including the ability to produce aircraft that meet performance expectations and the growth of the urban air mobility market itself. The information provided here is based on a press release statement from Joby Aviation, Inc.
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