A California-based company called Joby is making waves by choosing Dayton as the location for its groundbreaking $500 million manufacturing facility. What’s all the buzz about? Let’s dive into the world of flying cars and find out.
What’s a Flying Car, Anyway?
First things first, what exactly is a flying car? Well, Joby’s flying cars are a fantastic fusion of helicopters and planes. These marvels boast six rotors that allow them to take off and land vertically, just like a helicopter. But once they’re up in the sky, they pivot forward, resembling the propellers on a plane. In the industry, these vehicles are known as eVOTL, short for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Joby plans to manufacture a model in Dayton that can carry a pilot and up to four passengers. The best part? It’s all-electric and can reach speeds of up to 200 mph, with a travel range of 100 miles. Imagine zipping through the air in an eco-friendly, high-speed vehicle – that’s the future Joby is bringing to life.
Green and Global
Joby isn’t just dreaming of flying cars for personal use; they’re thinking bigger. With backing from Toyota and partnerships with Delta and Uber, they aim to provide short-range air travel options, making commuting faster and greener. And here’s a surprise twist – they’re also teaming up with the U.S. Defense Department, with plans to provide eVOTL aircraft for various military applications, from resupply missions to emergency medical response.
Why Dayton?
Dayton isn’t just any random choice for Joby. The city’s rich aviation history, including its proximity to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, played a pivotal role in their decision. Joby has worked closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory as it developed its aircraft, and the city’s legacy in aviation innovation made it a natural fit for this exciting venture.
The Wright Brothers’ Legacy
During the announcement event, Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt drew a heartwarming parallel between his vision and the Wright brothers’ historic achievements. Just as the Wright brothers made the skies accessible to all, Joby hopes to fundamentally change the way we live and travel in the 21st century.
“We’re building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “The Wright Brothers harnessed revolutionary technology of their time to open up the skies, and we intend to do the same — this time, bringing quiet and emissions-free flight that we hope will have an equally profound impact on our world.”
Ohio: A Hub of Innovation
Ohio, once known as part of the Rust Belt, is positioning itself as a hub of innovation. Governor Mike DeWine proudly proclaimed that Ohio has led the way in powered flight and the space race and is now poised to lead the electric aviation revolution. The state’s recent successes in attracting companies like Intel and expanding Honda’s presence highlight its commitment to the industries of the future.
Looking Ahead
As construction on Joby’s Dayton facility begins next year, we can’t help but feel excited about the future of transportation. Those interested in applying for roles at Joby’s Ohio facility can register their interest at www.jobyinohio.com.
With flying cars on the horizon, Ohio is proving that innovation knows no bounds. So, stay tuned, fellow travelers, because by 2025, we might just be soaring through the skies in these remarkable aircraft.