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 hover test flight, marking a critical step towards FAA certification and commercialization.
The company plans to begin piloted "for-credit" FAA testing in early 2024, with the goal of launching commercial air taxi operations by 2025.
Archer is backed by significant partnerships, including United Airlines and Stellantis for production and battery development, and is building a large eVTOL manufacturing plant in Georgia.
The Midnight eVTOL is also part of a substantial U.S. Air Force contract, with initial deliveries anticipated this year to aid military applications and provide valuable performance insights.
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.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
