Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies are collaborating on an optionally manned vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. Why it matters: The previously undisclosed project will undergo real-world testing shortly.

Air taxi maker Joby Aviation has partnered with US defence contractor L3Harris Technologies, to develop a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for possible use by the military. The companies are focusing on a gas turbine hybrid VTOL design for low-altitude missions.

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced they are exploring opportunities to develop a new aircraft class for defense applications. The gas turbine hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed for low-altitude missions and offers the versatility of being optionally piloted,