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, marking a significant milestone towards its commercial launch.
The company aims to begin FAA "for-credit" piloted testing in early 2024, with commercial operations targeted for 2025 in U.S. markets like Chicago and Los Angeles, in partnership with United Airlines.
Midnight is designed for rapid, short-hop urban flights to be cost-competitive with ground rideshares, supported by a new large-scale production plant in Georgia (with Stellantis) and a substantial U.S. Air Force contract.
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.
