Archer Aviation has delivered its first electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for evaluation by the United States Air Force (USAF).
On July 15, 2024, during the delivery-in-place handoff at its flight test facility in Salinas, California, Archer Aviation announced that a team of USAF personnel had worked alongside the eVTOL developer’s flight test team to ramp up flight operations
For the past few years, Archer has been working with the USAF to help the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of eVTOL technologies on the vertical flight market.
Ties between the two were strengthened in July 2023, when the USAF invested $142 million in Archer.
The agreement included the purchase of up to six Archer’s Midnight aircraft, plus commitments to share additional flight test data and certification related test reports.
Pilot training and the development of maintenance and repair operations were also part of the agreed contract.
The first aircraft delivery comes after the US Department of Defense accepted Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment last month. This critical approval confirms the aircraft’s readiness for flight testing by AFWERX.
In a statement, Archer said: “This allows AFWERX to conduct government-directed testing of the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and validate operational and military-specific mission concepts.”
At Archer’s flight test facility, the two teams executed simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights.
“This 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.”
According to Archer, the Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters, while being more cost-effective for the US military to transport, operate and maintain in the field.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. “We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.”
