Air Force Awards Archer $142 Million Contract for Midnight eVTOL

The Air Force’s AFWERX division will deploy up to six aircraft for personnel transport, logistics support, rescue operations, and more.

Jack Daleo

Monday, July 31, 2023 at 12:35 PM ET

Verified

The Air Force will deploy Archer’s Midnight eVTOL for personnel transport, rescue operations, and more. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation secured a significant contract, valued at up to $142 million, with the U.S. Air Force (AFWERX Agility Prime) to deliver its Midnight eVTOL aircraft for military applications like personnel transport and logistics.
The Midnight eVTOL is positioned as a quieter, safer alternative to helicopters for military operations while also being developed for commercial air taxi services, with Archer aiming for a 2025 launch and partnerships with airlines like United.
Archer is rapidly advancing its production and certification, having completed its first Midnight production aircraft, received FAA airworthiness criteria, and is constructing a mass manufacturing plant with Stellantis set to open by mid-2024.

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The U.S. is hoping to launch air taxi routes at scale in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. But like many novel technologies, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft may see their first action in the military.

In what appears to be one of the largest-ever contracts for an eVTOL manufacturer, San Jose, California-based Archer Aviation agreed to deliver as many as six Midnight aircraft to the U.S. Air Force in an agreement worth up to $142 million. Other military branches will be able to leverage the contracts for additional projects, which could see that number rise.