UAV & Drones
Joby Partners with NVIDIA to Advance Autonomous eVTOL Flight
Joby Aviation and NVIDIA collaborate to develop Superpilot™ using IGX Thor for certifiable autonomous urban air mobility.
The dream of urban air mobility, fleets of quiet, electric aircraft whisking passengers over congested cityscapes, is steadily moving from science fiction to reality. At the forefront of this revolution is Joby Aviation, a company dedicated to developing all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. While piloted flight is the immediate goal, the industry’s long-term vision for scalability, efficiency, and enhanced safety hinges on a far more complex challenge: autonomous flight. Achieving this requires not just a revolutionary aircraft, but also a computational brain powerful and reliable enough to navigate the complexities of the real world.
In a significant move to tackle this challenge, Joby Aviation has announced a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, the undisputed leader in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence. Joby will become the exclusive aviation launch partner for NVIDIA’s new IGX Thor platform, a next-generation computer designed for the demanding world of physical AI. This partnership is not merely an incremental upgrade; it represents a foundational step in accelerating the development of Joby’s autonomous flight system, named “Superpilot™,” aiming to usher in a new era of certified autonomous operations for both military and future civilian air taxi services.
By integrating NVIDIA’s cutting-edge hardware, Joby is laying a direct and deliberate path toward certifiable autonomy. This collaboration marries Joby’s deep expertise in aircraft design, certification, and rigorous flight testing with NVIDIA’s unparalleled processing power. The goal is to create a system that can meet the stringent safety and reliability standards set by aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a critical hurdle that must be cleared before autonomous aircraft can operate in the national airspace.
The partnership between Joby Aviation and NVIDIA represents a convergence of two industry pioneers, each bringing essential components to the table. Joby has established itself as a key player in the eVTOL space, with a clear mission to deploy a fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service. Their long-term strategy has always included the integration of autonomous technology to maximize the potential of their aircraft. This collaboration provides the computational backbone needed to turn that strategy into a tangible reality.
At the heart of this announcement is the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform. This is not a standard consumer-grade processor; it is an industrial-grade system engineered specifically for next-generation physical AI applications where failure is not an option. Powered by NVIDIA’s advanced Blackwell architecture, IGX Thor is built to handle the immense data throughput and complex calculations required for real-time, safety-critical decision-making. Its design incorporates support for recognized functional safety standards, making it an ideal foundation for systems that require regulatory certification.
For Joby, this means they are not just acquiring a powerful computer; they are adopting a platform designed from the ground up for the kind of certifiable autonomy their aircraft will require. As the exclusive aviation launch partner, Joby gains a first-mover advantage in integrating this state-of-the-art technology, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the race to develop and certify a truly autonomous eVTOL system. This exclusivity underscores the depth of the collaboration and NVIDIA’s confidence in Joby’s vision and execution.
The synergy is clear: Joby provides the world-class aircraft, the certification pathway, and the real-world flight testing environment. NVIDIA provides the raw computational power and the AI-centric architecture necessary to process staggering amounts of sensor data and execute complex flight commands flawlessly. Together, they aim to build an autonomous system that is not only capable but also certifiably safe for commercial and military deployment.
Joby’s autonomous system, Superpilot™, is designed to be the intelligent core of its aircraft. The vision for this system is not simply to replace a human pilot but to augment and enhance the aircraft’s capabilities with a level of speed, precision, and endurance that complements human oversight. To achieve this, the system needs to perceive its environment, make intelligent decisions, and act upon them in real-time, all while monitoring its own health and performance. “The autonomous systems under development at Joby are poised to complement human intelligence by providing speed, precision, and stamina beyond what a person alone is capable of. To achieve this, an aircraft needs a powerful onboard computer that can interpret extraordinary amounts of information to make decisions in real-time… In aviation, every calculation must be perfect, and every decision infallible.” – Gregor Veble Mikić, Flight Research Lead at Joby Aviation
The integration of the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform will provide the necessary horsepower for Superpilot™ to perform its critical functions. One of its primary tasks will be autonomous mission management. This involves determining and requesting optimal flight paths while dynamically adapting to changing conditions, such as new weather patterns or revised instructions from air traffic control. The system must be able to process these variables and plot a safe and efficient course instantaneously.
Another crucial function is advanced perception processing. Joby’s aircraft will be equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors, including Radar-Systems, LiDAR, and high-resolution cameras. Superpilot™ will be responsible for processing the high-rate data streams from all these sensors to build a comprehensive, 360-degree awareness of the surrounding environment. This allows the aircraft to safely navigate complex airspace, identify and avoid obstacles, and maintain a safe distance from other air traffic.
To ensure a reliable and accurate understanding of its surroundings, the system will employ advanced sensor fusion. This process involves combining data from the diverse range of sensors to create a single, unified model of the world that is more robust and accurate than any single sensor could provide. Furthermore, Superpilot™ will feature predictive health monitoring, enabling the aircraft to continuously check its own systems, predict when a component might need maintenance, and alert ground crews long before a potential issue arises.
A particularly innovative feature enabled by this technology is the concept of a “digital twin.” The aircraft will carry a high-fidelity virtual model of itself, which is continuously updated and refined using data from every flight. This digital twin can be used to run simulations, optimize performance, and improve the efficiency of the aircraft’s operations over time. It is a powerful tool for continuous learning and improvement, ensuring the entire fleet benefits from the experience of each individual aircraft.
Ultimately, all these advanced capabilities are in service of one overarching goal: Certification. Operating an autonomous aircraft in the national airspace is contingent on proving to regulators like the FAA that the system is safe and reliable. The choice of the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform is a strategic one, as its architecture is built to support the functional safety standards that regulators require. This provides Joby with a clear and credible path toward achieving certifiable autonomy.
The market’s reaction to the announcement reflects the significance of this move. Following the news, shares of Joby Aviation (JOBY) saw a notable rise in after-hours trading, with reports citing gains of over 8%. This positive response from investors signals strong market confidence in Joby’s technological roadmap and its strengthened position as a leader in the autonomous aviation sector.
The collaboration between Joby Aviation and NVIDIA is more than just a corporate Partnerships; it is a landmark event that signals a major acceleration in the quest for autonomous flight. By combining Joby’s best-in-class aircraft engineering and certification expertise with NVIDIA’s cutting-edge AI compute platform, the two companies are building a direct pathway to a future where autonomous air travel is not just possible, but certifiably safe. The development of the Superpilot™ system, powered by the IGX Thor, is a critical step in realizing the full potential of urban air mobility.
This initiative is about laying the foundational bricks of trust and reliability required for the public, regulators, and the industry to embrace autonomous aviation. While the vision of pilotless air taxis carrying passengers across cities is still on the horizon, this collaboration provides the clearest technological roadmap to date for getting there. It is a calculated, powerful, and safety-focused step toward making clean, quiet, and efficient aerial transportation a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. Question: What is the Joby and NVIDIA partnership about? Question: What is NVIDIA IGX Thor? Question: What is the goal of Joby’s Superpilot™ system? Sources: Joby Aviation Press Release
Joby and NVIDIA: Powering the Next Leap in Autonomous Aviation
A Strategic Alliance for the Skies
The Players and the Platform
Deconstructing Superpilot™: The Brains of the Operation
Core Capabilities Fueled by NVIDIA
The “Digital Twin” and the Path to Certification
A New Era of Safety-First Autonomy
FAQ
Answer: Joby Aviation is partnering with NVIDIA to use its new IGX Thor compute platform to develop and accelerate Joby’s autonomous flight system, known as Superpilot™, for its eVTOL aircraft.
Answer: It is a high-performance, industrial-grade computer designed for next-generation physical AI applications. It provides the massive processing power needed for complex, real-time, safety-critical functions like autonomous flight and is built to support recognized functional safety standards for easier certification.
Answer: The goal of Superpilot™ is to enable advanced autonomous capabilities for Joby’s aircraft, including mission management, advanced environmental perception, sensor fusion, and predictive health monitoring. The ultimate objective is to achieve certifiable autonomy for both future civil air taxi services and military applications.
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
UAV & Drones
Oklahoma Advances Autonomous Aviation with FlightHorizon Air Traffic System
Oklahoma deploys Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon to enable safe BVLOS drone operations and expands airspace coverage at its Air & Space Port.
This article is based on an official press release from Vigilant Aerospace and public reporting.
In a decisive move to secure its position as a national leader in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has successfully deployed a cutting-edge air traffic management system at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port. The initiative, which began with a Contracts awarded to Oklahoma City-based Vigilant Aerospace in February 2025, utilizes the company’s FlightHorizon software to enable safe Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
According to the official announcement, the project aims to replace traditional human “visual observers” with “electronic observers.” This shift allows unmanned aircraft to fly longer distances without the logistical burden of a chase plane, a capability essential for the commercial viability of drone delivery and advanced air mobility services. As of early 2026, reports indicate the system is fully operational and undergoing significant expansion.
The core of this infrastructure project is Vigilant Aerospace’s FlightHorizon command-and-control system. The Software creates a real-time “digital twin” of the airspace by fusing data from ground-based Radar-Systems and aircraft transponders. This allows operators to visualize and track air traffic across a vast area, ensuring that unmanned systems can safely coexist with general aviation.
The system’s reliability is rooted in its development history. FlightHorizon is built on two exclusively licensed NASA patents invented at the Armstrong Flight Research Center. According to technical specifications released regarding the project, these patents cover:
By acting as an automatic detect-and-avoid system, the software predicts flight trajectories and issues avoidance commands to pilots or autopilots, meeting critical FAA safety standards.
“Oklahoma understands the importance of the autonomous aviation industry for the state and our nation and is taking the lead… We are proud that our technology can serve as the cornerstone of this initiative.”
Kraettli Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace (Feb 2025)
While the initial contract was signed in early 2025, recent updates confirm the project has moved rapidly into the execution phase. According to operational reports from September 2025, the system was successfully installed and active at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port in Burns Flat, one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States.
During live training exercises conducted in late 2025, the system demonstrated the ability to correlate data from mobile surveillance radars (provided by partner DeTect, Inc.) and ADS-B transponders. This capability allowed instructors to monitor live flights alongside virtual scenarios, validating the system’s utility for complex training environments. Following the successful initial deployment, the coverage area is currently being expanded. Data indicates the sensor network is growing from an initial 5,000 square kilometers to approximately 10,000 square kilometers. This massive corridor is designed to facilitate long-range autonomous flight testing, positioning Oklahoma as a prime location for aerospace companies preparing for future regulatory shifts.
Structurally, the state’s oversight of this sector has also evolved. In July 2025, the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) was merged into the ODAA, consolidating state aerospace and space oversight under a single agency to streamline operations and funding management.
The timing of Oklahoma’s investment, funded via the 2022 “Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity” (PREP) fund, appears strategically aligned with federal regulatory timelines. With the aviation industry anticipating the finalization of the FAA’s Part 108 rule in 2026, which will normalize BVLOS operations, Oklahoma is effectively building a “field of dreams” infrastructure.
By establishing the physical safety net (radars) and the digital framework (FlightHorizon) ahead of the rule, the state removes a significant capital barrier for private companies. Instead of building their own surveillance networks, Drones operators can plug into Oklahoma’s existing system. This approach not only attracts commercial drone delivery and air taxi firms but also complements Vigilant Aerospace’s growing portfolio, which includes a spot on a $46 billion U.S. Air-Forces contract awarded in June 2025.
What is BVLOS? Where is the system located? Who funded this project?
Oklahoma Cements Status as Autonomous Aviation Hub with Advanced Air Traffic System
Establishing a “Digital Twin” of the Airspace
NASA-Licensed Technology
Operational Status and Network Expansion
Expanding the Safety Corridor
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight. It refers to drone operations where the pilot cannot see the aircraft with their naked eye. Safe BVLOS is required for long-distance applications like package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and agriculture.
The system is deployed at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port at Clinton-Sherman Airport in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.
The project was funded by the Oklahoma Legislature through the “Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity” (PREP) fund.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vigilant Aerospace
UAV & Drones
Barq Group and Elroy Air Launch $200M VTOL Cargo Aircraft JV in Abu Dhabi
Barq Group and Elroy Air form a $200M joint venture to manufacture Chaparral hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft in Abu Dhabi, targeting MENA middle-mile logistics.
This article is based on an official press release from Elroy Air and Barq Group.
Barq Group, a leader in smart mobility based in the United Arab Emirates, and Elroy Air, a U.S. developer of autonomous aerospace technology, have signed an initial agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) valued at $200 million. The partnership focuses on establishing a Manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi to produce the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft.
According to the announcement, the joint venture aims to address the critical “middle-mile” logistics gap across the Middle East and North Africa (Middle-East) region. By localizing manufacturing, the companies intend to support the UAE’s strategic push for autonomous transport and industrial self-reliance.
The agreement outlines a phased approach to introducing the Chaparral aircraft to the region. Under the terms of the deal, the joint venture will oversee flight operations, manufacturing, and aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
The companies have set a clear timeline for deployment:
Ahmed AlMazrui, Co-founder and CEO of Barq Group, emphasized the scale of the commitment in a statement regarding the deal:
“This $200 million investment is more than a manufacturing agreement; it is a commitment to building a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem in the UAE. The massive demand we are seeing from logistics providers across MENA makes it clear that local production is the only way to scale effectively.”
The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster and the national “Make it in the Emirates” strategy, which prioritizes the development of local industrial capabilities.
The Chaparral is designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, the transport of goods between distribution centers or to remote locations, bypassing the need for traditional airports or ground infrastructure. Elroy Air describes the aircraft as a “lift + cruise” hybrid-electric VTOL system.
According to technical data released by Elroy Air, the Chaparral features: A critical feature for the MENA region is the aircraft’s independence from electric charging infrastructure. Because the turbine generator charges the batteries during flight, the Chaparral does not require ground-based charging stations, enabling operations in remote deserts, offshore platforms, or mountainous terrain.
Dr. Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air, highlighted the regional suitability of the aircraft:
“Demand for the Chaparral in the MENA region has been immense… Abu Dhabi is the ideal strategic hub for our first international manufacturing footprint.”
The “middle mile” is historically the most inefficient segment of the supply chain in the MENA region due to challenging geography and sparse infrastructure. Traditional cargo aircraft require runways that do not exist at many remote industrial sites, while ground transport is often slowed by indirect routes through deserts or archipelagos.
By deploying a VTOL system that requires zero airport infrastructure, this joint venture directly targets these inefficiencies. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain distinguishes the Chaparral from purely electric competitors, which may struggle in regions lacking robust electrical grids at every delivery point. This move also positions Barq Group and Elroy Air to compete with other emerging players in the region, such as Dronamics, which has also secured agreements in the UAE.
Barq Group is the Abu Dhabi-based smart mobility arm of the larger conglomerate, distinct from other entities sharing the name in the region. Since launching its mobility division in April 2023, Barq has focused on eco-friendly transport solutions, previously signing agreements for ground-based electric delivery vehicles. This JV marks a significant expansion into aerial logistics.
Elroy Air, headquartered in South San Francisco, was founded in 2016. The company reports a commercial order backlog exceeding $3 billion, representing over 1,000 aircraft, with interest from major global customers including FedEx and Bristow Group.
What is the value of the joint venture? When will the aircraft begin flying in the UAE? Does the Chaparral require charging stations?
Barq Group and Elroy Air Announce $200 Million Joint Venture to Manufacture Autonomous Cargo-Aircraft in Abu Dhabi
Establishing a Regional Aerospace Hub
The Chaparral: Specifications and Capabilities
Key Technical Specifications
AirPro News Analysis
Company Backgrounds and Market Position
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement represents a $200 million investment to build a manufacturing facility and establish operations in Abu Dhabi.
Flight operations using U.S.-built aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027, with locally manufactured aircraft entering service in 2028.
No. The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric powertrain where a turbine generator charges the batteries in-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure.Sources
Photo Credit: Elroy Air
UAV & Drones
China’s Tianma-1000 Heavy-Lift Cargo Drone Completes Maiden Flight
China’s Tianma-1000 heavy-lift cargo drone completed its maiden flight, featuring 1,000 kg payload and STOL capability for remote logistics.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, China successfully conducted the maiden flight of the “Tianma-1000” unmanned transport aircraft. According to reporting by CGTN, the aircraft was developed by Xi’an ASN Technology Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned defense contractor China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The flight test, conducted at an airport in Shaanxi Province, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its “low-altitude economy.”
The Tianma-1000 is designed to serve as a multi-role platform, integrating logistics transport, emergency rescue capabilities, and supply drop functions. State media reports indicate that the successful flight verified the aircraft’s aerodynamic design and control systems, clearing the way for further development in complex terrain operations.
Data regarding the Tianma-1000 highlights its positioning as a heavy-lift solution intended to bridge the gap between small delivery drones and traditional manned cargo planes. According to technical specifications released in conjunction with the flight, the aircraft features a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (1 metric ton) and a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers.
A defining feature of the Tianma-1000 is its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capability. Unlike systems requiring standard airport infrastructure, this aircraft is engineered to operate from unpaved surfaces such as grass or compacted dirt. Technical reports state that the aircraft requires a runway length of less than 200 meters to take off or land. This capability is specifically aimed at facilitating operations in remote areas, including high-altitude plateaus and mountainous regions where long concrete runways are unavailable.
To support rapid logistics, the aircraft incorporates an intelligent loading system. Developer data suggests that the AI-assisted mechanism allows for the loading or unloading of its full 1-ton payload in approximately five minutes. Furthermore, the fuselage utilizes a modular “quick-swap” design, enabling operators to switch between standard logistics transport and airdrop modes depending on mission requirements.
The development of the Tianma-1000 underscores the growing intersection between military and civilian aerospace technology in China. The developer, Xi’an ASN Technology Group, is recognized as a dominant player in the domestic UAV market and is the largest drone production base in the country. Its parent company, Norinco, is a major state-owned defense contractor traditionally known for land systems.
According to industry analysis referenced in reports surrounding the Launch, the Tianma-1000 is part of a broader national push to develop a “low-altitude economy”, a sector that Beijing estimates could be valued at 2 trillion yuan by 2030. The aircraft joins a competitive field of domestic heavy-lift drones, including the TP1000 and AT200, all vying for market share in the “middle-mile” logistics sector.
The Case for STOL over VTOL While many Western competitors in the autonomous cargo sector, such as Elroy Air or Sabrewing, have prioritized Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities to eliminate runway requirements entirely, the Tianma-1000 represents a different engineering philosophy. By opting for a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) configuration, Chinese engineers appear to be prioritizing payload efficiency and range over vertical versatility.
VTOL systems require heavy lifting rotors and complex propulsion systems that often consume significant fuel and reduce overall cargo capacity. In contrast, the Tianma-1000’s fixed-wing design with STOL capabilities allows it to carry a substantial 1-ton payload over 1,800 kilometers while maintaining a simpler mechanical profile. For operations in China’s western regions, where flat strips of land (200 meters) are generally available even in remote areas, this trade-off offers a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for middle-mile logistics.
The Tianma-1000 enters a global market populated by several emerging heavy-lift autonomous aircraft. Its specifications place it in direct competition with international platforms, though with distinct operational profiles.
The Tianma-1000’s service ceiling of 8,000 meters also distinguishes it, suggesting a specific design focus on high-altitude operations suitable for the Tibetan Plateau and other mountainous frontiers.
China’s Tianma-1000 Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones Completes Maiden-Flight
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Performance
Operational Efficiency
Strategic Context and Developer Background
AirPro News Analysis
Global Comparison
Sources
Photo Credit: CGTN
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