Photo: Archer Aviation
One of the top American eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) makers hits another major milestone on the way to full certification, one that further confirms the future air taxi's resilience and safety.
Archer Aviation didn't just design the elegant-looking Midnight aircraft but also developed its proprietary battery packs with cylindrical cells. As impressive as aircraft design can be, when it comes to electric aviation, putting the battery packs to the test is one of the make-or-break moments. Extreme testing of the batteries and their ability to withstand various impact scenarios is absolutely vital in getting any kind of battery-electric aircraft certified.
The Californian eVTOL maker is now proud to have passed over that critical point with great results. Most recently, it carried out a series of tests at one of the National Institute for Aviation laboratories. A total of three tests simulated different impact scenarios during which the batteries, in various states of charge, had to face drops of up to 50 feet (15 meters). In all scenarios, they were able to resist the impact without signs of failure and even continued to function up to standard.
This success takes Archer one step closer to the next phase of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification process. It's also a significant confirmation of the Midnight aircraft's safety. The whole point of having to go through such an extensive, meticulous certification process is, ultimately, to ensure that passengers will be safe inside this electric air taxi.
The Midnight aircraft was specifically designed for short-distance, urban commutes in busy areas. With a spacious cabin for up to four passengers and state-of-the-art flight controls, this eVTOL promises smooth, fast, and low-noise flights of up to 20 minutes on a single charge, as well as fast turnaround (the charging time between flights) for maximum operational efficiency.
United Airlines has already made a hefty deposit for the pre-order of up to 100 units of the Midnight aircraft, and many other operators around the globe are eyeing it as well. Most recently, the Californian eVTOL maker scored another huge deal of around $500 million, this time in the UAE. Private aviation operator Air Chateau also committed to purchasing up to 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL.
In connection with this sale, but not limited to, Archer is also planning to launch a Center of Excellence in this region, designed to become a partner of local manufacturers and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) providers.
By 2025, Archer hopes to launch regular flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it one of the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) pioneers in this region with incredible potential for developing air taxi transportation.
The Midnight eVTOL is produced in collaboration with Stellantis, which recently increased its share in the Californian aviation company, a sign that the automotive industry and AAM are becoming increasingly connected.
The Californian eVTOL maker is now proud to have passed over that critical point with great results. Most recently, it carried out a series of tests at one of the National Institute for Aviation laboratories. A total of three tests simulated different impact scenarios during which the batteries, in various states of charge, had to face drops of up to 50 feet (15 meters). In all scenarios, they were able to resist the impact without signs of failure and even continued to function up to standard.
This success takes Archer one step closer to the next phase of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification process. It's also a significant confirmation of the Midnight aircraft's safety. The whole point of having to go through such an extensive, meticulous certification process is, ultimately, to ensure that passengers will be safe inside this electric air taxi.
The Midnight aircraft was specifically designed for short-distance, urban commutes in busy areas. With a spacious cabin for up to four passengers and state-of-the-art flight controls, this eVTOL promises smooth, fast, and low-noise flights of up to 20 minutes on a single charge, as well as fast turnaround (the charging time between flights) for maximum operational efficiency.
United Airlines has already made a hefty deposit for the pre-order of up to 100 units of the Midnight aircraft, and many other operators around the globe are eyeing it as well. Most recently, the Californian eVTOL maker scored another huge deal of around $500 million, this time in the UAE. Private aviation operator Air Chateau also committed to purchasing up to 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL.
In connection with this sale, but not limited to, Archer is also planning to launch a Center of Excellence in this region, designed to become a partner of local manufacturers and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) providers.
By 2025, Archer hopes to launch regular flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it one of the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) pioneers in this region with incredible potential for developing air taxi transportation.
The Midnight eVTOL is produced in collaboration with Stellantis, which recently increased its share in the Californian aviation company, a sign that the automotive industry and AAM are becoming increasingly connected.
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