FutureFlight
Jaunt Makes the Cut for Air Force's HSVTOL Challenge
The eVTOL aircraft developer will further advance its concept for the MAV 55 Multi-Mission Vehicle for possible use by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Special Operations Command.
Jaunt's MAV 55 Multi-Mission Vehicle design.
Jaunt is working on the MAV 55 Multi-Mission Vehicle design to meet the HSVTOL requirements of the U.S. Air Force and Special Operations Command. (Image: Jaunt Air Mobility)

The U.S. Air Force’s Afwerx program has selected Jaunt Air Mobility for the next phase of its High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) Concept Challenge. The eVTOL aircraft developer today confirmed it is one of 11 companies chosen to receive market research funding from the Air Force and the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

The challenge, which attracted 200 entrants, is intended to identify aircraft that could provide the military with “optimal agility in austere environments.” The contract covers work to develop two conceptual designs for what Afwerx has identified as the MAV 55 Multi-Mission Vehicle. This is intended to combine the operational benefits of fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft. The Afwerx team is also looking for an aircraft that will generate minimal downwash and noise for operations where landing is not possible.