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 major step towards its commercialization.
The company plans to begin "for-credit" flight testing with the FAA in early 2024 and aims for commercial operations by 2025, following type certification and other regulatory approvals.
Midnight's development and future deployment are supported by significant partnerships, including investments from United Airlines, a substantial contract with the U.S. Air Force, and a manufacturing collaboration with Stellantis for a large production plant in Georgia.
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.
