(JOBY) Joby Celebrates First Flight of Turbine Electric Demonstrator Aircraft
November 13, 2025
Joby unveils first flight of turbine-electric autonomous VTOL demonstrator with L3Harris, signaling rapid progress and potential defense and commercial opportunities.
What’s Happening
This is a press release announcing the first flight of Joby’s turbine‑electric autonomous VTOL demonstrator on November 7, 2025 at Marina, California. The demonstrator pairs a hybrid turbine powertrain with Joby’s proven all‑electric platform and SuperPilot™ autonomy, and Joby disclosed a partnership with L3Harris to missionize the aircraft for defense roles ahead of planned government demonstrations in 2026.
Why It Matters
Overall sentiment is positive but cautious: the milestone shows rapid technical progress and a credible defense partner, which could expand addressable markets. Key names to track are Joby Aviation (JOBY), L3Harris (LHX), the FAA, and the U.S. government’s FY26 $9B signal for next‑gen platforms.
Management Moves
Management committed to continued ground and flight testing and to begin government mission demonstrations in 2026, while L3Harris will add sensors, comms and mission systems to the demonstrator.
Outlook Insights
Opportunities: longer range commercial routes and defense contracts. Risks: no financials disclosed, certification and funding timing, and execution complexity. Catalysts: test progress, FAA milestones, and any announced defense contracts.