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| NASA and Joby Aviation are working together to test electric flying taxis |
NASA worked with Joby Aviation to conduct the test flight of the eVTOL (commonly known as the flying car) electric aircraft that took off and landed vertically.
These test flights are part of NASA's national campaign to monitor the operation of these test flights and determine if they are safe for passengers.
Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation is the first electric vertical take-off and landing company to participate in NASA's National Advanced Air Mobility Movement.
The test flight began Monday, August 30, at the company's airport in Big Sur, California, and will run through September 10, the agency said.
However, when the six-engine Joby Aviation Jet is in the air, NASA will not be just a passive observer. The agency said it is collecting vehicle and sound performance data for use in modeling and simulating future airspace concepts.
In other words, the agency closely monitors aircraft noise to understand how it compares to helicopters and other gasoline-powered vehicles.
NASA and Joby Aviation are working together to test electric flying taxis
One of the main selling points of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft manufacturers is that these planes are much quieter than helicopters. Therefore, it is more suitable for travel in densely populated areas.
During the test flight, his team will gather information about how the car moves, what it looks like, and how the car communicates with the control unit, the agency said.
The agency plans to conduct similar tests with other companies of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the future.
The agency is also advising the Federal Aviation Administration on developing new rules for electric flying taxis.
The national campaign is an important strategic move for the agency to accelerate its flight schedule goals for the advanced aviation industry.
These test cases help identify gaps in existing standards. This is to take advantage of the industry's progress in incorporating advanced aircraft into the airspace.
NASA's mission, of course, is to encourage the development of advanced flight technologies. But the FAA's job is to set rules for commercial flights and operations.
The space agency previously signed a data-sharing agreement with Uber for the ridesharing company's air taxi program.
Last year, the company transferred an electric aircraft vertical take-off and landing unit called Uber Elevate to Joby Aviation. This is in exchange for an investment of $75 million in this startup.
In addition, Joby Aviation and other eVTOL companies are hoping to gain FAA certification. But this process can take a long time.
Some experts said it will take five years or more for the FAA to issue an eVTOL certification.
Joby Aviation said its goal is to launch its first air taxi service in 2024.