Joby Aviation Completes 3,100-Mile Autonomous Flight Across the US

Joby Aviation has completed an autonomous flight across the United States, with a modified Cessna Caravan travelling more than 3,100 miles without a human pilot taking control. The demonstration marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to develop autonomous aircraft for military operations, commercial freight and other transportation services.

Joby said Friday that the aircraft autonomously handled ground taxiing, takeoffs, navigation and landings throughout the cross-country journey. Although a pilot remained on board to meet regulatory requirements, the aircraft operated independently under remote supervision from Joby’s California headquarters and Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

Joby Aviation Demonstrates Autonomous Aircraft Technology

The company described the journey as the first autonomous flight across the United States. The aircraft will continue its trip back to the West Coast over the next two weeks, with planned stops including Louisville, Kentucky, and Salt Lake City.

Joby said the demonstration showed how its autonomy technology could operate across different environments and support missions such as medical transport, disaster response and defence logistics.

The company is developing an autonomous flight system designed for installation on different types of conventional aircraft. Its initial commercial plans include introducing a regional aircraft equipped with the technology for defence operations and commercial cargo transportation, supported by a $17 million U.S. Air Force contract through AFWERX.

Joby Expands Beyond Electric Air Taxis Into Defence Aviation

Joby is best known for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs, for short-distance passenger transportation in urban areas. The company has spent years developing its electric air taxis and pursuing type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Alongside its passenger aircraft program, Joby has expanded its defence operations through military partnerships, acquisitions and the development of alternative aircraft technologies.

In August, the company acquired Ohio-based Resonant Sciences for $500 million in cash and stock. The business, which specialises in radio frequency and sensor systems, became part of Joby’s dedicated defence division, which also includes autonomous flight technology and turbine-electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft projects.

Joby also signed an agreement with defence contractor L3Harris Technologies in 2025 to explore developing an autonomous, gas-turbine hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for military applications.

The 3,100-mile demonstration also tests the autonomous flight technology Joby intends to deploy beyond its electric passenger aircraft program, including on conventional aircraft used for cargo transportation and defence missions.