Archer’s Midnight eVTOL prototype takes to the skies for the first time. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
Archer Aviation's five-seat Midnight electric air taxi successfully completed its inaugural uncrewed, untethered hover flight, a critical step toward its FAA certification and planned commercial launch.
The Midnight eVTOL is designed for short, urban air taxi routes (20-50 sm) with rapid charging, aiming for commercial operations by 2025 and cost competitiveness with ground rideshare services.
Archer is rapidly advancing its manufacturing capabilities, including building the world's largest eVTOL production plant with Stellantis, and has secured major partnerships with United Airlines and a $142 million contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric air taxi is finally airborne.
After receiving a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA to begin testing the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) design in August, a noncomforming Midnight prototype has completed its inaugural test flight.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
