Joby Begins First Conformity Testing, Enters Next Phase of Certification Process

Rhea-AI Summary

Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) has commenced FAA conformity testing, marking a crucial step in its type certification process for all-electric aircraft. This testing is a first in the implementation phase and showcases the maturity of the company's production and quality systems. Joby is collaborating with Toray to qualify a new lightweight composite material tailored for eVTOL aircraft. Joby aims to launch its aerial ridesharing service in 2024, targeting urban congestion reduction with a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge.

Positive

• Commencement of FAA conformity testing signifies progress in the type certification process.
• Partnership with Toray to develop a lightweight composite material enhances production capabilities.

Negative

• None.

• Company begins conducting FAA testing, marking Joby’s first entry into implementation phase of type certification process
• Demonstrates maturity of Company’s production and quality systems
• Partnering with Toray to qualify new lightweight composite material ideal for eVTOL aircraft

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a California-based company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced the Company has begun Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conformity testing, a key milestone on the path to achieving type certification for its aircraft.

Joby has begun conformity testing with the Federal Aviation Administration, a key milestone on the company’s path to achieving type certification for its all-electric aircraft. (Photo: Business Wire)

The start of conformity testing is a significant moment for Joby as the Company’s aircraft type certification program enters the “implementation phase” for the first time.

Joby’s first series of conformity tests, observed and documented by an on-site FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER), were completed this week at Toray Advanced Composites USA’s facility in Morgan Hill, CA.

The testing, developed by Joby engineers, is designed to confirm the material strength of composite coupons that are representative of the aerostructure of Joby’s aircraft. The resulting compliance data will form the foundation for future testing of structural components of the aircraft as Joby progresses through the type certification process.

Each system and structure of the Joby aircraft will enter the implementation phase and begin conformity testing following completion and approval of requirements definition and compliance planning. During this phase, Joby will complete thousands of inspections and tests to demonstrate the airworthiness and safety of its aircraft before receiving a type certificate from the FAA.

“After years of development and company testing, we’re excited to formally begin the process of conformity testing,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “We began engaging with the FAA in 2015 to lay the groundwork for certification of our aircraft, and today we move closer to bringing fast, clean and convenient aerial ridesharing to the world.”

In November, Joby completed its first FAA part conformity inspection as expected, confirming that the batch of test coupons used in the “for credit” testing conformed to the attributes and specifications of their associated design data and as intended for the aircraft’s type certification.

The coupons, constructed using a toughened epoxy and state-of-the-art carbon fiber, result in a material that is lighter and stronger than existing aerospace-grade composites, making it ideal for a high-performance eVTOL aircraft.

“Entering this stage of testing demonstrates that we’re capable of manufacturing composite parts in accordance with their design, our quality system is capable of producing conforming composite parts for the aircraft, and that we have the requisite traceability and design verification processes in place to progress toward our type and production certifications,” said Lina Spross, quality and supply chain lead at Joby.

In 2020, Joby became the first and only eVTOL company to sign a G-1 (stage 4) certification basis with the FAA, having received an initial (stage 2) signed G-1 from the FAA in 2019. In parallel with this work, the Company continues to make progress with the FAA on defining the means of compliance that will apply to its aircraft as it progresses with certification efforts.

ABOUT JOBY AVIATION

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-headquartered transportation company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service beginning in 2024. The aircraft, which has a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge, can transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. It is designed to help reduce urban congestion and accelerate the shift to sustainable modes of transit. Founded in 2009, Joby employs around 1,000 people, with offices in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Marina, California, as well as Washington, D.C. and Munich, Germany. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding the development and performance of our aircraft including our initial plant capacity and regulatory outlook; our business plan, objectives, goals and market opportunity; and our current expectations relating to our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and capital needs. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, "expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our limited operating history and history of losses; our ability to launch our aerial ridesharing service and the growth of the urban air mobility market generally; our plans to operate a commercial passenger service beginning in 2024; the competitive environment in which we operate; our future capital needs; our ability to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our ability to effectively respond to evolving regulations and standards relating to our aircraft; our reliance on a third-party suppliers and service partners; uncertainties related to our estimates of the size of the market for its aircraft and future revenue opportunities; and other important factors discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-260608), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2021, and in other reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates and beliefs as of the date of this press release. While Joby may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220210005434/en/

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Source: Joby Aviation, Inc.

FAQ

What recent milestone has Joby Aviation achieved regarding FAA conformity testing?

Joby Aviation has begun FAA conformity testing, marking its entry into the implementation phase of the type certification process for its all-electric aircraft.

How does Joby's partnership with Toray impact its aircraft development?

Joby is partnering with Toray to qualify a new lightweight composite material ideal for its eVTOL aircraft, enhancing production strength and quality.

When does Joby plan to launch its aerial ridesharing service?

Joby intends to launch its aerial ridesharing service in 2024.

What is the maximum range of Joby's all-electric aircraft?

Joby's all-electric aircraft has a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge.

How fast can Joby's aircraft travel?

Joby's aircraft can travel at speeds of up to 200 mph.