Archer’s Midnight eVTOL prototype takes to the skies for the first time. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
Archer Aviation's Midnight electric air taxi successfully completed its inaugural uncrewed hover test flight, a significant step towards its FAA type certification.
The company aims for piloted "for-credit" testing in early 2024, with commercial operations planned by 2025 with United Airlines in U.S. markets, and initial deliveries to the U.S. Air Force expected this year.
Midnight is a five-seat eVTOL designed for cost-competitive, short-hop urban flights, supported by key partnerships and a large-scale manufacturing plant under construction 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.