Joby Aviation’s Post

Another strategic move in the #future of #aviation and #electricflight ⚡⚡

Embention, a leader in aerospace technology, celebrates a significant milestone as the EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency, approves the certification basis for their Veronte Autopilot. This marks the first ETSO-C198 certification for a guidance and flight control system designed for both UAS and eVTOL aircraft. Embention’s dedication to meeting stringent aviation standards is evident in their compliance with DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, ISO9001, and EN9100 certifications. The Veronte Autopilot’s miniaturized design ensures advanced control capabilities for unmanned and manned autonomous vehicles. EASA’s approval of the Certification Programme and Article Technical Specification under ETSO-C198 signifies a pivotal achievement, setting the stage for further certifications crucial for unmanned aircraft operations under Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and VTOL (VCA) aircraft carrying passengers. Javier Espuch, Chief Business Development Officer at Embention, emphasizes, “This milestone with EASA underscores our commitment to innovation and safety in airspace integration. It paves the way for widespread adoption of our Veronte Autopilot in critical applications such as urban air mobility and air taxis.” Read more about Embention’s pioneering certification journey and the Veronte Autopilot’s capabilities on our blog. #AvfoilNews #Embention #VeronteAutopilot #ETSO #EASA #AviationCertification #UAS #eVTOL #AerospaceTechnology #UrbanAirMobility #AirTaxis #FlightControlSystems #InnovationInAviation #SafetyStandards #FutureOfFlight

Rotor Technologies, Inc., a developer of autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, has completed the first uncrewed flight test campaign of a full-scale civilian helicopter. The campaign was flown with two Rotor R220Y autonomous helicopters. The R220Y is an experimental platform based on the popular Robinson R22 two-seat helicopter, with seats, pilot controls, and instrument panel removed and all functions of the helicopter automated by Rotor’s technology. Two R220Ys logged more than 20 hours of flight time and over 80 hours of engine run-time during the flight campaign. These flights successfully proved Rotor’s flight control systems, autonomous hover and velocity modes, and vision-based perception systems. The campaign also developed the aircraft’s long-distance flight capability through in-flight testing of long-range radio equipment and cellular LTE communication links – although all flights were conducted over a limited radius within direct line of sight of a ground control station. “This is a major milestone toward fully-autonomous flight and testament to our ability to develop autonomy that will be safe and reliable enough for utility and passenger operations,” said Rotor founder and CEO Dr. Hector (Haofeng) Xu. “Our AI pilot system is already expert-level at tasks like precision flight control and navigation in poor visibility conditions, and we’re increasing its capabilities every day.” Although no human pilot was onboard during test flights, the R220Y currently requires a pilot to remotely control the vehicle when the autonomy system is not engaged. “We’re excited to see Robinson helicopters used by Rotor as a platform for innovation,” said Robinson vice president of operations David Smith regarding the successful R220Y flight tests. “We believe that our flight heritage and manufacturing capability will position Robinson to be a key player in the next generation of VTOL aviation.” #avfoilnews #aviation #evtol #vtol #uav

Bell unveils heli lab to develop autonomous fly-by-wire Bell Flight has unveiled its Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA) based on its Bell 429 helicopter. The aircraft is focused on developing an aircraft safety system and operating autonomous fly-by-wire flights. “Fly-by-wire flight, coupled with additional capability that are being integrated into ALFA, provide a great foundation for Bell to expand on its autonomous capabilities,” said Jason Hurst, executive vice president, Engineering, Bell. “This aircraft will serve as a flying lab that will inform future autonomous technology development, which we can ultimately leverage to deliver the best rotorcraft solutions to global operators.” The fly-by-wire integration is a critical step in the development of autonomous controls for Bell’s commercial aircraft, according to the manufacturer. The emerging technology is aimed to cut pilot workload and improve safety, it added. Full story via the link. https://shorturl.at/kpOU7 #helicopter #rotorcraft #aviationindustry #aviationinnovation

The first autonomous flight product must be self-reliant and economically viable from day one to make a lasting impact on the aviation industry. ☝️ While the simplified vehicle operations (SVO) approach appears promising in theory, the airline industry's narrow profit margins, particularly in smaller aircraft segments, make it challenging to justify adopting technology without clear economic benefits. 🛩️ That's why Xwing's Superpilot, as the first standard-category large uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to receive official project designation from the Federal Aviation Administration, represents the right step in the right direction. 🚶♂️ In my interview with Sumit Singh at Simple Flying, I had the pleasure to discuss Xwing’s recent milestones including our work with the United States Air Force and our progress in developing a certifiable UAS. Read the full article below to learn more. 👇 #autonomous #aviation #aam

Xwing's Superpilot: A Fully Autonomous Solution for Urban Air Mobility Xwing's Superpilot is a fully autonomous gate-to-gate flight technology, allowing aircraft to leave the gate, taxi, take off, land, and return to the gate entirely on its own #Xwing has made significant progress in flight automation and has won a contract with the US Air Force to conduct autonomous flight trials using its Superpilot system. The #Superpilot technology offers several benefits to the aviation industry, including enhanced safety, reduced cost and logistical burden. The company's certification project with the #FAA marks a milestone in the path toward regulatory approval of autonomous commercial cargo flights. In April of this year, Xwing submitted PSCP to the FAA and subsequently became the first company to receive an official project designation for a Standard Category large unmanned aerial system (#UAS). This project designation began a three-year clock after which full #airworthiness certification is typically expected by the FAA. Xwing's regional air mobility(#RAM) capitalizes on underutilized regional airports that we already have. Re-energizing short-haul air transportation of both cargo and passengers will help increase equity for rural communities and stimulate economies beyond major metropolitan hubs. #avionics #businessaviation #aviation #evtols #urbanairmobility #advancedairmobility #flyingcars #flyingtaxi #airtaxi #UAM #evtol #aam #aircraft #vertiports #urbanmobility #electricaviation #emergingtech #innovation #faa #nasa

This week's aviation news reports that Airbus has performed autonomous test flights. The tests initially focused on improving safety in light helicopter operations and paving the way toward autonomous operation of electric advanced air mobility systems! ✈️ #loveaviation #stratusfinancial #aviationmentors #aviationworld #Aviationnews

Single pilot operation has been a topic in aviation for some time. I have argued with people that single pilot operation will probably be skipped for pilotless operation (all the things you need for one pilot are needed for none), starting in the transport sector. I foresee specialized airways and airspace being formed to allow fully autonomous flight. It will be decades before passengers see the pilots disappear but it sure feels like that is coming. #aviation #autonomoussystems #fms #ai https://lnkd.in/gx8hsycz