Under contract with NASA, Joby has developed a truly novel VTOL
configuration: the Lotus.
2-bladed rotors mounted on the wingtip provide thrust in takeoff and landing,
but scissor closed in flight to become part of the wing. Custom Joby electric
motors directly drive both wingtip blades, as well the tilting tail rotor, and
contribute to a low noise signature. Joby motor controllers drive the wingtip
motors and provide precise and reliable control of both RPM and position.
A future 275 lb-class hybrid-electric UAV development of this configuration has
the potential to become the first VTOL aircraft to achieve 24 hour endurance.
