Joby and L3Harris Plan Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Defense Missions | Aviation International News

Joby and L3Harris Plan Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Defense Missions

Operational flight demonstrations with a hybrid-electric vehicle could begin in 2026

Joby L3Harris autonomous hybrid VTOL — © Joby Aviation/L3Harris

By Hanneke Weitering • Science & Technology Editor

August 2, 2025

L3Harris Technologies is teaming up with eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation to develop an autonomous, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for defense applications, the companies announced August 1. Designed for low-altitude missions below 10,000 feet, the optionally piloted aircraft will feature a gas turbine hybrid powertrain.

Joby and L3Harris aim to begin flight testing the new aircraft in the fall, and next year the partners will conduct operational demonstrations during government exercises. They have not yet disclosed what the targeted range for the aircraft, which is intended to protect ground forces and critical assets.

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