Photo: Archer
In the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) world, it's not just how impressive your design looks on paper but whether it's certifiable and compatible with large-scale manufacturing. Archer Aviation wants to become one of the industry trailblazers in terms of bringing its commercial aircraft to the market.
The first-ever conforming Midnight electric aircraft is set to roll out in the next weeks. Archer's manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, will be in charge of the final assembly. The first, but not the only one, this aircraft will soon be followed by two more units. Together, these will be Archer's first conforming aircraft.
Conforming means that they'll each feature all the components and systems according to the type design. Unlike the prototype known as the Maker, the Midnight conforming aircraft is exactly what the commercial version will look like and operate. Once these three units are assembled, a new set of flight tests is coming up later this year.
In the end, they will conduct what is known as "for credit" flight testing with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), which is the green light for commercialization.
When this final stage begins, Archer might become the first in the industry to achieve this milestone. Flying a conforming aircraft shows how far electric aviation has come and how close we are to a new era of urban, emission-free air mobility.
Archer also believes to be one of the first in the industry to have reached this point so quickly. While others still have years ahead before certification, Archer is determined to begin the final piloted flight tests before the end of this year.
It certainly helps to be backed by an automotive giant (Stellantis) and to have a prestigious customer base that includes names like United Airlines. On the other hand, the Midnight aircraft also caught the eye of the US Air Force. Last summer, the eVTOL maker signed new contracts with the Department of Defense worth a total of $142 million. Based on those contracts, Archer is set to deliver six units of the Midnight aircraft to the DoD, along with pilot training, maintenance, and repair services.
Archer's planned commercial success is also relying on the right manufacturing location and capacity. Last year, Covington, Georgia, was confirmed as the location of a new manufacturing facility. It will start with an initial surface of 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) and eventually expand to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters). In terms of capacity, this will translate to going from 650 units per year to a massive 2,000 aircraft-per-year target, which would place Archer at the top of the industry.
Midnight is a four-seat passenger eVTOL designed for zero-emission, piloted flights with a fast turnaround.
Conforming means that they'll each feature all the components and systems according to the type design. Unlike the prototype known as the Maker, the Midnight conforming aircraft is exactly what the commercial version will look like and operate. Once these three units are assembled, a new set of flight tests is coming up later this year.
In the end, they will conduct what is known as "for credit" flight testing with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), which is the green light for commercialization.
When this final stage begins, Archer might become the first in the industry to achieve this milestone. Flying a conforming aircraft shows how far electric aviation has come and how close we are to a new era of urban, emission-free air mobility.
Archer also believes to be one of the first in the industry to have reached this point so quickly. While others still have years ahead before certification, Archer is determined to begin the final piloted flight tests before the end of this year.
It certainly helps to be backed by an automotive giant (Stellantis) and to have a prestigious customer base that includes names like United Airlines. On the other hand, the Midnight aircraft also caught the eye of the US Air Force. Last summer, the eVTOL maker signed new contracts with the Department of Defense worth a total of $142 million. Based on those contracts, Archer is set to deliver six units of the Midnight aircraft to the DoD, along with pilot training, maintenance, and repair services.
Archer's planned commercial success is also relying on the right manufacturing location and capacity. Last year, Covington, Georgia, was confirmed as the location of a new manufacturing facility. It will start with an initial surface of 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) and eventually expand to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters). In terms of capacity, this will translate to going from 650 units per year to a massive 2,000 aircraft-per-year target, which would place Archer at the top of the industry.
Midnight is a four-seat passenger eVTOL designed for zero-emission, piloted flights with a fast turnaround.
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