Photo: Archer Aviation
The US Air Force is at the forefront of AAM (advanced air mobility) and ready to put new types of aircraft to the test. The AFWERX Agility Prime program supported the accelerated development of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology. Now, it's starting to reap the rewards.
A couple of months ago, USAF announced the first electric air taxis to be stationed at a military base. The Californian startup Joby, one of the many who participated in the Agility Prime program, was the lucky one selected for this groundbreaking role. The Joby eVTOL will officially become the first electric aircraft of its kind to be stationed at the Edwards Air Force base.
The first two units are expected to arrive early next year and will be used primarily to demonstrate potential use cases related to logistics. Seven more aircraft will also be stationed there at a later date.
After Joby, another big name in the US AAM industry hits a milestone in its relationship with the Department of Defense (DoD). Archer Aviation just signed new contracts with the DoD worth $142 million.
The two have also been working together since 2021 through Agility Prime. This new contract is only an expansion of an already fruitful collaboration.
This new contract primarily targets the delivery of up to six eVTOLs made by Archer. The eVTOL company will also provide pilot training, maintenance and repair services and will work with USAF on test reports and share flight test data.
Archer's electric aircraft, officially known as Midnight, will be used for logistics, rescue operations, and transportation. Due to its versatile design and capabilities, the same aircraft is also gearing up to operate as an air taxi for United Airlines.
The giant aviation operator agreed to purchase up to 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL, signing a $10 million contract with Archer back in 2022.
In addition to lowering emission levels, Midnight promises to be much quieter than conventional helicopters and more cost-effective. Unlike most eVTOL companies, Archer is benefitting from a strong partnership with an automotive giant, Stellantis.
Stellantis is the exclusive contract manufacturer for the Midnight aircraft, with plans to produce 650 units per year at a new facility in Covington, Georgia. This is just the beginning. In the distant future, Archer and Stellantis plan to roll out 2,300 eVTOLs annually once the Georgia facility also expands from 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) to 800,000 (74,300 square meters).
Midnight combines a 12-propeller configuration and a proprietary electric powertrain with an innovative cabin concept that incorporates sustainable materials. Archer's eVTOL will most likely get the green light from FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) next year. Commercial services are set to start in 2025. USAF has not yet confirmed when it will receive its six Midnight units.
The first two units are expected to arrive early next year and will be used primarily to demonstrate potential use cases related to logistics. Seven more aircraft will also be stationed there at a later date.
After Joby, another big name in the US AAM industry hits a milestone in its relationship with the Department of Defense (DoD). Archer Aviation just signed new contracts with the DoD worth $142 million.
The two have also been working together since 2021 through Agility Prime. This new contract is only an expansion of an already fruitful collaboration.
This new contract primarily targets the delivery of up to six eVTOLs made by Archer. The eVTOL company will also provide pilot training, maintenance and repair services and will work with USAF on test reports and share flight test data.
Archer's electric aircraft, officially known as Midnight, will be used for logistics, rescue operations, and transportation. Due to its versatile design and capabilities, the same aircraft is also gearing up to operate as an air taxi for United Airlines.
The giant aviation operator agreed to purchase up to 100 units of the Midnight eVTOL, signing a $10 million contract with Archer back in 2022.
In addition to lowering emission levels, Midnight promises to be much quieter than conventional helicopters and more cost-effective. Unlike most eVTOL companies, Archer is benefitting from a strong partnership with an automotive giant, Stellantis.
Stellantis is the exclusive contract manufacturer for the Midnight aircraft, with plans to produce 650 units per year at a new facility in Covington, Georgia. This is just the beginning. In the distant future, Archer and Stellantis plan to roll out 2,300 eVTOLs annually once the Georgia facility also expands from 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) to 800,000 (74,300 square meters).
Midnight combines a 12-propeller configuration and a proprietary electric powertrain with an innovative cabin concept that incorporates sustainable materials. Archer's eVTOL will most likely get the green light from FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) next year. Commercial services are set to start in 2025. USAF has not yet confirmed when it will receive its six Midnight units.
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