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:

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Archer Aviation a significant contract, worth up to $142 million, to acquire as many as six Midnight eVTOL aircraft, marking a major military investment in advanced aerospace technology.
The Air Force plans to utilize the Midnight eVTOLs for various defense applications, including personnel transport, logistics support, and rescue operations, viewing them as a quieter, safer, and more efficient alternative to helicopters.
While military adoption is an early use case, Archer's Midnight eVTOLs are also designed for commercial air taxi services, are actively pursuing FAA certification, and are backed by strong industry partnerships and manufacturing plans.

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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.