Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force Takes Delivery of First eVTOL Aircraft

Joby Aviation, Inc. officially delivered its first experimental electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the Air Force during a ceremony held at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 25. The ceremony showcased the unique multi-party collaboration between private industry, AFWERX, the 412th Test Wing and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. 


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VIDEO: US Air Force’s 1st electric aircraft flies at 200 mph.

 

The Joby aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. Joby

The Air Force’s big new electric taxi flies at 200 mph

The flying machine from Joby Aviation is now on site at Edwards Air Force Base in California, and it could be used to patrol the base's perimeter.

BY ROB VERGER | PUBLISHED SEP 25, 2023 4:30 PM EDT

Today, members of the military and an executive from Joby Aviation used a giant pair of scissors to cut a ribbon in front of an electric flying machine parked at Edwards Air Force Base in California. 

The moment is significant because, with the exception of small electric drones, the other aircraft that the Department of Defense have on hand are powered by fossil fuels. Cargo planes, fighter jets, helicopters, and other flying machines that can carry people or hefty cargo all burn petroleum products. But the flying machine behind the ribbon, an air taxi from a company called Joby Aviation, is a different kind of craft—like an EV, it’s powered by batteries. The aircraft has now taken up residence at Edwards Air Force Base in California, a facility famous as a flight testing center, where it might patrol or inspect the rugged landscape. 

The electric aircraft sports six large propellers that can tilt, enabling the machine to take off and land vertically and also fly horizontally, like a regular plane. Think of it as something like a small version of the military tiltrotor aircraft that already exist, such as the V-22 Osprey or the V-280 Valor. It has space for four passengers (or 1,000 pounds of cargo), one pilot, and can fly at speeds of 200 miles per hour.

Joby has been testing and developing electric aircraft for years; it flew a “subscale demonstrator,” or small version of the plane, back in 2015. The full-sized aircraft that Joby has delivered to the Air Force is the first production prototype to come off the company’s line in Marina, California, in June. “It’s massive” as a moment, JoeBen Bevirt, the company’s CEO, tells PopSci. “This is like a dream come true.” 

All of the aircraft's six propellers can tilt, to allow it to take off or land vertically, but then fly like a regular airplane.

All of the aircraft’s six propellers can tilt, to allow it to take off or land vertically, but then fly like a regular airplane. Joby

There are a couple ways that the Air Force might use the aircraft. One is to patrol the Edwards Air Force Base’s sprawling footprint, which spans more than 400 square miles. (It’s an area bigger than New York City.)  Because the base is so big, says Maj. Philip Woodhull, who focuses on emerging technologies in the Air Force, the people who guard it “have quite a time doing perimeter security management.” 

“One of the ideas that we’re thinking of—an experiment we can do—is using a Joby aircraft for security forces purposes to do these perimeter sweeps,” he says. Their plan is to fly the aircraft remotely at first, meaning that a pilot would be operating it from the ground, without humans inside. 

The Joby craft could also monitor a giant lake bed at the base, which Woodhull says measures 12 by 20 miles in size. That area “is a great resource for doing emergency landings, but it is a natural landscape,” he says. The weather can alter the condition of the designated runways in the lake bed, and so, Woodhull says, “we always have to check whether the runways that we have designated out there are actually usable.” The Joby aircraft could help with that inspection process, as opposed to taking pickup trucks out to the site, although the initial plan is to fly the aircraft without anyone in it. If the Air Force becomes comfortable putting crew inside, though, the aircraft could also help transport people or supplies from one part of the base to another. The testing at the base will involve NASA, as well.

An aircraft that flies on electric power will be quieter than one that uses loud engines powered by fossil fuels, and that attribute could also have military appeal for other purposes. “There’s been significant interest across not only the other services,” such as the Army and Marine Corps, says Col. Thomas Meagher, who works with an Air Force program called AFWERX Agility Prime, but also “on the special forces side.”

“Low acoustic signature has lots of benefits for the DOD in some of those scenarios,” he adds. 

While delivery of the Joby air taxi to the Air Force represents a milestone, Bevirt notes that it remains “a Joby asset” even in DOD hands. And another Joby aircraft should be delivered to the base next year. Joby’s long-term plan is to eventually operate an air-taxi service for regular people to hail via an app like they would an Uber, and they’ve announced plans to partner with Delta.

Meagher says that this is the first electric aircraft “of this class”—specifically, it can carry several people, has tiltrotors, and a fixed wing—that the Air Force will use for an extended period. Meagher notes that they have previously experimented with a machine from a company called Lift by remotely flying it—that aircraft is a wild-looking contraption designed to carry one person. The Air Force also has experience with flying an electric aircraft from Vermont’s Beta Technologies. Beta has started to build an electric aircraft charging station at Duke Field near Florida’s Eglin Air Force Base. 

At the ribbon cutting ceremony today, Col. Douglas Wickert, who commands the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, commented about the aircraft behind him: “Just looking at that, I mean you’re looking at the future—that is obvious.” 

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Firefighters Attend Swift Water Rescue Technician Training at Yuma Proving Grounds

U.S. Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, and civilian firefighters of the local fire departments receive a brief during Swift Water Rescue Training near the Gila River in Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 21, 2023. Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines as well as civilian firefighters will utilize this training to familiarize themselves with flash flood emergencies and enhance their readies as first responders. (U.S. Marines Corps photo by Cpl. Jade K. Venegas)

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

09.21.2023

Story by 1st Lt. Derek VanWyck 

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma  

YUMA, AZ [Sept 22, 2023]— In a collaborative effort to enhance emergency response capabilities and strengthen community safety, a select group of firefighters from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma recently completed Swift Water Rescue Technician Training at Yuma Proving Grounds. This training, hosted by the Yuma Proving Ground Fire Department, enhances their capabilities for efficient and safe water rescues and equips the participants with vital skills to effectively respond to swift-water emergencies in the Yuma area.

The Yuma Proving Ground Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Gerald Ball, hosted this critical training event, which has been in the works for several years. Chief Ball expressed his enthusiasm about the successful realization of the training and the potential it holds for future joint operations with regional mutual aid partners. He said, "We're very pleased with the way this turned out, and we're very excited about the future as far as our partnerships with our regional mutual aid partners in developing those common operating plans for incidents such as this and other incidents as well."

The Swift Water Rescue Technician Training, a nationally recognized program, aims to prepare participants to handle incidents involving swift water, a potential hazard in the Yuma region, even in the arid desert environment. Chief Ball emphasized the importance of this training by pointing out, "We may not realize it here because we're in the desert, but we're surrounded by water. We have many waterways, irrigation canals, rivers, the lakes, and the potential for flash floods, things like that that people don't realize."

Matthew Kelly, Deputy Fire Chief for the Army Yuma Proving Grounds reflected on how last year the Yuma community experienced a significant flooding incident that highlighted the need for this training. Kelly recalled a specific event, "We had an incident on Yuma Proving Ground last year with the monsoonal rains and wash running where we had a person that was stuck in the wash." While no lives were lost, it underscored the importance of having trained personnel and equipment for swift water rescues.

Kelly emphasized that the Marines and civilian firefighters who participated in the training are now better equipped to handle such situations and prevent the loss of life. The training promotes interoperability among different response agencies, including the city of Yuma, Martinez Lake Fire District, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to water-related emergencies.

Marine Corps personnel, including Lance Corporal Thomas Coble, who participated in the training, acknowledged the value of the program for both military and civilian firefighters. "It's very beneficial," Coble stated. "It's nice to know information like this, especially with farming canals and waterways. Somebody could fall in, and then just gets swept away with the current. So, it's very nice to know information like this." Coble also expressed the privilege of being able to work alongside seasoned firefighters whose knowledge can help this upcoming generation of firefighters be successful.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John Ritchie, Assistant Chief of Operations for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) at MCAS Yuma, emphasized the broader impact of this training, saying, "This is just one of those things that's a good tool to have. So, we can provide those services if we ever have that need to, and also the things that they learned in this sort of training translates to other things in the rescue world." Ritchie also emphasized the positive impact this training can have on the community outside the base. He noted that it strengthens the relationship between military and civilian response teams and equips Marines with valuable skills for their future civilian careers.

The Swift Water Rescue Technician Training lasted three days, combining classroom instruction and field exercises to ensure participants are well-prepared for swift water emergencies. The collaboration between MCAS Yuma, Yuma Proving Ground Fire Department, and local civilian firefighters reinforces the commitment to community safety, interagency cooperation, and overall resilience of the region.

Fort Sill Soldier acts swiftly to save fellow Soldier's life.

Spc. Ryan Foley, a 14G with 4th Battalion, 60th ADA, exemplified the Army's core values. His recent actions in aiding a fellow Soldier underscore Fort Sill’s motto, 'Life is Better with Great Teammates,' and embodied the spirit of 'This is My Squad

FORT SILL, OK, UNITED STATES

09.20.2023

Story by Christopher Wilson 

Fort Sill Public Affairs  

FORT SILL, Okla. (Sept.19, 2023) — On the morning of March 5, 2023, Spc. Ryan Foley from Daytona Beach, Florida, exemplified the core values of the Army. He embraced Fort Sill's motto, "Life is Better with Great Teammates," and truly embodied the spirit of "This is My Squad."

On the morning of March 5, 2023, Spc. Ryan Foley of Daytona Beach, Florida, demonstrated the true essence of Army's values proving that the Fort Sill motto "Life is Better with Great Teammates" and embodying the spirit of "This is My Squad."

Foley, an Air Defense Artillery Soldier, with 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery, was off-duty at his residence when he received a distressing call about a fellow Soldier, Spc. Jalen Jones. Without hesitation, Foley drove to the barracks, assisted the ailing Jones down three flights of stairs, and rushed him to the emergency room. Doctors later revealed that Jones had been experiencing mini-strokes and required immediate open-heart surgery.

"The situation was dire," said one ER doctor. "Had it not been for Foley's swift actions, the outcome could have been tragic."

Given the critical nature of the situation, the Fort Sill Casualty Assistance Center took immediate action to bring Jones' family from New Jersey. Encouraged by his chain of command, Foley took the initiative to assist the family and remained by his friend's side throughout the surgery.

1st Lt. Tyler St. Clair, battery executive officer and Foley’s former platoon leader said, "Foley has always been the kind of person who jumps into action and is willing to help his fellow Soldiers. I wasn’t surprised when I heard what he did, and I don’t think Jones would be here today if it wasn’t’ for him."

Foley's commitment to his fellow Soldiers extends beyond this single act. "This is a community, and that's how I treat any Soldier," Foley said. "We're all one team. We're all here for each other."

His dedication to service is evident in his decision to join the Army in January 2020, continuing a long family tradition. "If I didn't [join], I would have broken a very long lineage of men in the family that join the army," Foley shared.

When asked about his choice of Air Defense Artillery, Foley humorously recounted his recruiter's uncertainty about the role. Despite the initial ambiguity, Foley expressed his passion for the job and his aspirations to become a warrant officer.

Reflecting on the incident, Foley emphasized the importance of looking out for one another, especially for single Soldiers without family nearby. "I really try to emphasize helping them out any way I can," he said.

Jones, still recovering but in good spirits, expressed his gratitude, saying, "If it wasn't for Ryan, I wouldn’t be here right now. He's more than just a fellow Soldier; he's a brother."

Jones' recovery has been a testament to the Army's sense of community and the bonds formed between Soldiers. "I'm just glad that he's still here," Foley expressed, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.

When asked if his Army training influenced his actions that night, Foley responded affirmatively. "Of course. Even through basic training... we all kind of banded together," he said.

For his actions, Foley was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with the following citation: “On 05 March 2023, SPC Foley went above and beyond the call of duty when he quickly acted to assist medical professionals render lifesaving aid to a fellow Soldier. Upon being notified, he drove to the barracks from his off-post residence, carried the Soldier down three flights of stairs, put him in his personally owned vehicle, and drove him to the Emergency Room (ER). After arriving at the ER, doctors rushed to perform open-heart surgery on the Soldier.”

“Foley's actions are a shining example of ‘This is My Squad.’ His story serves as a reminder that in the Army, every Soldier is part of a larger family, always ready to support and uplift one another in times of need,” said Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Sartain.

146th Security Forces Squadron Train with Emergency Management Flight in First-ever combined Dragonfire/Crisis Beach II Exercise

The Hollywood Guard held simultaneous training exercises in an inaugural effort between the 146th Security Forces Squadron and the 146 Emergency Management Flight working together to enter and clear buildings in close-quarter battle (CQB) scenarios with close-quarter combat (CQC) techniques. The exercise occurred at the Ventura County Fire Department training center, a joint training location utilized by Oxnard College Fire Academy and the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
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