Photo: Archer Aviation
It took a while for this moment to come, but now it's here – the world's first dedicated eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) factory is coming to life and gearing up for large-scale production.
Archer Aviation already kicked off construction at its site in Covington, Georgia. If things go according to plan, the facility will be ready to start rolling out aircraft as soon as next year. It's a big deal for the entire AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry because this is not only the first eVTOL factory in the world but the biggest one – not in size, but volume-wise.
The end goal is to roll out 2,000 aircraft per year, although things will start with a smaller 650-unit annual capacity. This initial capacity will be supported by a 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) facility. During the second phase, the factory will be expanded to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters).
Evans General Contractors and Synovus Bank are Archer's main development and financing partners in this $65 million endeavor (this covers most of the costs for the first phase facility).
Archer doesn't just want to steal the spotlight with huge production volumes. It also claims to be able to achieve this with considerably fewer costs than its competitors. According to the manufacturer, this was possible thanks to its partnerships with the automotive giant Stellantis, top aerospace supplies (Safran and Honeywell), and with the state of Georgia.
All of this leads to Archer's ultimate goal of becoming the world's number one scale manufacturer of electric air taxis.
The Midnight eVTOL made its official debut at the end of last year. This four-seat air taxi equipped with an all-electric powertrain and 12 small propellers promises a top speed of 150 mph (241 kph) and a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge. One of its major innovations is the sustainably built cabin that integrates natural materials, such as flax fiber, and recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
One of Archer's biggest customers is also one of the largest aviation operators in the world. United Airlines paid a hefty $10 million deposit for 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL. The production version of Archer's eVTOL is expected to enter commercial service in 2025.
Another major US eVTOL manufacturer also has big plans when it comes to production capacity. The Californian Joby is also building a large-scale production facility in Dayton, Ohio. The initial targeted capacity is smaller than Archer's but pretty close, with 500 units per year.
However, Joby's factory will open later than Archer's Covington plant since construction is scheduled to start next year. At the same time, Joby will maintain its headquarters in California, where it also operates a Pilot Production Line.
The end goal is to roll out 2,000 aircraft per year, although things will start with a smaller 650-unit annual capacity. This initial capacity will be supported by a 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) facility. During the second phase, the factory will be expanded to 900,000 square feet (83,600 square meters).
Evans General Contractors and Synovus Bank are Archer's main development and financing partners in this $65 million endeavor (this covers most of the costs for the first phase facility).
Archer doesn't just want to steal the spotlight with huge production volumes. It also claims to be able to achieve this with considerably fewer costs than its competitors. According to the manufacturer, this was possible thanks to its partnerships with the automotive giant Stellantis, top aerospace supplies (Safran and Honeywell), and with the state of Georgia.
All of this leads to Archer's ultimate goal of becoming the world's number one scale manufacturer of electric air taxis.
The Midnight eVTOL made its official debut at the end of last year. This four-seat air taxi equipped with an all-electric powertrain and 12 small propellers promises a top speed of 150 mph (241 kph) and a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge. One of its major innovations is the sustainably built cabin that integrates natural materials, such as flax fiber, and recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
One of Archer's biggest customers is also one of the largest aviation operators in the world. United Airlines paid a hefty $10 million deposit for 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL. The production version of Archer's eVTOL is expected to enter commercial service in 2025.
Another major US eVTOL manufacturer also has big plans when it comes to production capacity. The Californian Joby is also building a large-scale production facility in Dayton, Ohio. The initial targeted capacity is smaller than Archer's but pretty close, with 500 units per year.
However, Joby's factory will open later than Archer's Covington plant since construction is scheduled to start next year. At the same time, Joby will maintain its headquarters in California, where it also operates a Pilot Production Line.
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