Archer Aviation delivers first Midnight eVTOL aircraft to USAF
AFWERX evaluation in progress
Archer Aviation, a leading company in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has delivered its inaugural Midnight aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF) as part of an AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142 million.
The delivery follows the US Department of Defence’s endorsement of Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment. This crucial step confirms the aircraft’s readiness for comprehensive flight testing by AFWERX, the USAF’s transformative vertical lift programme.
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Developed by California-based Archer Aviation, Midnight is an eVTOL aircraft engineered to carry over 453kg of payload and optimised for back-to-back 32km trips, with a charging time of approximately 10 minutes in between. Midnight marries cutting-edge electric propulsion technology with state-of-the-art aircraft systems.
US evaluations
The Midnight aircraft features a proprietary electric powertrain and a low-noise profile. It is now set to undergo a series of US government-directed evaluations.
These tests will explore the aircraft’s operational and military-specific mission potential, including simulated medical evacuations, cargo transport, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The testing will be conducted at the Salinas facility, where a collaborative effort between USAF personnel and Archer’s flight test team has been instrumental in advancing the Midnight’s operational readiness.
Advanced technology
The Midnight’s features are expected to provide a safer, more cost-effective, and quieter alternative to traditional internal combustion engine aircraft. Its advanced technology promises enhanced rapid response, agility, and effectiveness across various mission profiles.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), a key player in leading scientific research and technology development for the Department of the US Air Force, plays a vital role in supporting such innovations. AFRL’s extensive global operations focus on developing affordable warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace.
AFWERX facilitates the integration of cutting-edge technologies from small businesses and start-ups into defence operations. With an annual budget of $1.4 billion and a record of over 6,100 new contracts, AFWERX is pivotal in accelerating the technology transition and strengthening the US defence industrial base.
“The delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. “Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology.”
Colonel Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialisation Officer for the Department of the US Air Force, said: “Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to enhance our operational capabilities significantly. We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore how this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.”
Abu Dhabi operations
In October 2023, Archer Aviation announced its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to establish Abu Dhabi as its first international launch site. The plan includes initiating electric air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi by 2026.
ADIO will offer incentives to support Archer’s establishing its international headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster.
The agreement was formalised in October 2023 during a signing ceremony attended by various regional aviation stakeholders, including Falcon Aviation and GAL-AMMROC.
Archer Aviation aims to collaborate with Stellantis and UAE-based partners to develop its aircraft manufacturing capabilities and establish a centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi. The centre will focus on advancing aviation technologies.
Archer Aviation has secured over $1.1 billion in funding from Mubadala Capital, United Airlines, Stellantis, and Boeing.
Featured image: The Midnight eVTOL aircraft features a proprietary electric powertrain and a low noise profile. Credit: Archer Aviation
