Photo: Archer
Maker made waves in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) industry a couple of years ago, but as a prototype, it was only paving the way for the commercial aircraft version named Midnight. Midnight has already kicked off its complex flight test program, and so far, it did not disappoint.
2024 is going to be a milestone year for eVTOL maker Archer. Its flagship aircraft has already concluded the first stage in its comprehensive flight test campaign and is ready to move to Phase II. Overall, the program is divided into three phases, during which the electric aircraft will gradually move to higher speed and simulated commercial routes. As complex as it is, this program is just a stepping stone toward the certification FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) testing coming up later this year.
The piloted testing with the FAA will kick off after the Midnight aircraft nails its first full wing-borne transition flight. Prior to that, however, the eVTOl has to conduct multiple flight tests, gradually flying faster and performing increasingly complex maneuvers. While the initial tests focus on the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, the final phase of the campaign will confirm the electric aircraft's operational readiness through various commercial route simulations.
During the following tests, the Midnight eVTOL will feature the first high-voltage battery packs rolled out by Archer at its facility in San Jose, California. So far, Midnight was able to complete Phase I in record time compared to its full-scale prototype. After just three months, it's already moving to Phase II. Still, this was possible only thanks to the prior years of testing.
The Stellantis-backed eVTOL maker is also currently building what could become the world's biggest eVTOL factory by volume. This new facility is located in Covington, Georgia, and will launch operations with an initial capacity of 650 units per year. Over time, the facility will expand from 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters), which will allow it to support an impressive capacity of 2,000 aircraft per year.
In addition to the support from Stellantis, Archer is also counting on top-tier customers. United Airlines paid a $10 million deposit for 100 Midnight eVTOLs. Last year, Archer secured another 100-unit pre-order, worth around $500 million, from Air Chateau, a leading operator in UAE.
The Midnight aircraft is a four-seat air taxi primarily designed for zero-emission, quiet, and affordable urban commute flights. Its top specs include a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge and a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 kph), powered by an all-electric powertrain and 12 small propellers. Design-wise, it will feature an innovative cabin concept based on sustainable and natural materials, including recycled plastic bottles.
The piloted testing with the FAA will kick off after the Midnight aircraft nails its first full wing-borne transition flight. Prior to that, however, the eVTOl has to conduct multiple flight tests, gradually flying faster and performing increasingly complex maneuvers. While the initial tests focus on the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, the final phase of the campaign will confirm the electric aircraft's operational readiness through various commercial route simulations.
During the following tests, the Midnight eVTOL will feature the first high-voltage battery packs rolled out by Archer at its facility in San Jose, California. So far, Midnight was able to complete Phase I in record time compared to its full-scale prototype. After just three months, it's already moving to Phase II. Still, this was possible only thanks to the prior years of testing.
The Stellantis-backed eVTOL maker is also currently building what could become the world's biggest eVTOL factory by volume. This new facility is located in Covington, Georgia, and will launch operations with an initial capacity of 650 units per year. Over time, the facility will expand from 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters), which will allow it to support an impressive capacity of 2,000 aircraft per year.
In addition to the support from Stellantis, Archer is also counting on top-tier customers. United Airlines paid a $10 million deposit for 100 Midnight eVTOLs. Last year, Archer secured another 100-unit pre-order, worth around $500 million, from Air Chateau, a leading operator in UAE.
The Midnight aircraft is a four-seat air taxi primarily designed for zero-emission, quiet, and affordable urban commute flights. Its top specs include a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge and a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 kph), powered by an all-electric powertrain and 12 small propellers. Design-wise, it will feature an innovative cabin concept based on sustainable and natural materials, including recycled plastic bottles.
Google News