Joby Aviation has announced the expansion of its site in Marina, California, which will double its aircraft production capacity there, according to a company press release. The total site now spans approximately 435,500 square feet and will support the scale-up of commercial operations. Joby also expanded its flight test programme with the addition of a new aircraft to its growing fleet.
“Reimagining urban mobility takes speed, scale, and precision manufacturing. Our expanded manufacturing footprint in both California and Ohio is preparing us to do just that,” said Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer. “We celebrated the opening of the new facility with the flight of our sixth aircraft, which earned airworthiness certification within a week of completion.”
Toyota engineers are deeply integrated with the Joby team, providing counsel to support Joby’s work across design, manufacturing, and quality, said the press release. Toyota also helps the Joby team optimize processes, streamline assembly, and offer advice related to the development of custom tooling to accelerate production.
Once fully operational, the expanded Marina site is expected to be able to produce up to 24 aircraft per year. It will also provide key capabilities including its initial FAA production certification, conforming ground and flight testing components, pilot training simulators, and aircraft maintenance. This site complements Joby’s broader manufacturing network, which includes three additional facilities: Santa Cruz, CA, the headquarters driving innovation and system architecture; San Carlos, CA, focused on powertrain and electronics; and Dayton, Ohio, a newly renovated facility that will manufacture and test aircraft components for Joby’s Pilot Production Line.
“The Dayton site demonstrates the capabilities required for FAA production certification and supports the Company’s plans to scale operations,” said the release. “Equipment installation is underway, with production ramping up to eventually build up to 500 aircraft a year at that location.”
For more information
https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-expands-manufacturing-capacity/
(Image: Joby’s new expanded facility in Marina, California. Courtesy of Joby Aviation).