Pilots and aviation enthusiasts can now fly Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi in the newly released Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Players can explore the same aircraft that has already completed piloted exhibition flights in locations like New York City, according to company officials.
The Joby aircraft incorporates “unified flight controls,” allowing intuitive transitions between vertical takeoff and wingborne flight, company officials said. This system is modeled after controls used in vertical-lift military aircraft, such as the F-35B.
Virtual pilots can navigate the Joby eVTOL between helipads and airports worldwide, including routes envisioned for real-world air taxi operations, such as JFK Airport to Downtown Manhattan, officials added.
“Since we launched Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2020, we have seen 15 million people come to the simulation and be interested in what we do,” explains Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann.
The collaboration between Joby Aviation and the Microsoft Flight Simulator team involved detailed modeling of the aircraft’s interior, exterior, and flight physics.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed for a pilot and four passengers, capable of speeds up to 200 mph. According to company officials, it operates with significantly reduced noise compared to helicopters and produces zero operational emissions.
To support real-world pilot training for its aircraft, Joby has partnered with CAE to develop advanced flight simulators. These simulators will help commercial fixed-wing pilots earn a powered-lift type rating as part of Joby’s pilot training program, company officials explained.
For more information: JobyAviation.com, FlightSimulator.com
