The U.S. Air Force has received its first Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Archer Aviation as part of a $142 million contract with the Air Force AFWERX Agility Prime program.
The development came after the U.S. Department of Defense accepted Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment. This critical approval confirms Midnight’s readiness for flight testing by the Air Force Work Project (AFWERX) — a part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) that focuses on innovation based at the Air Force Research Laboratory.
“This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation,” said Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. “Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology.”
A team of USAF personnel worked alongside Archer’s flight test team to ramp up operations with Midnight at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, CA. The teams executed simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights.
Red, White & Midnight.
— Archer (@ArcherAviation) September 10, 2024
Here's a closer look at our recent delivery of the first Midnight aircraft to the @usairforce. This sets the table for Archer’s relationship with the @DeptofDefense to continue to grow as we work alongside the Air Force to conduct additional… pic.twitter.com/IR1Eg47cfo
“Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities,” added Elliott Leigh, director of AFWERX and chief commercialization officer for the USAF. “We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.”
Archer Midnight Aircraft
Midnight is an eVTOL aircraft developed by Archer Aviation, an aircraft company based in the US, to offer air mobility services to civilians and military personnel.
The vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, proprietary electric powertrain, and low noise profile of Archer Midnight make it a well-suited aircraft for military aviation operations. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a cost-effective, safer, and quieter alternative to existing internal combustion engine options. Midnight is claimed to be 100 times quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitude.
Passengers: Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot.
Range: Optimized to fly rapid back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in between.
Speed: Midnight eVTOL can travel at speeds of up to 150 mph,
All-electric: Powered by 6 independent proprietary battery packs, each supporting a pair of our custom electric engines.
Rapid Charge: Its battery system can charge in minutes between flights.
Archer Aviation raises $230 million, secures $6 billion in contracts
California-based eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation has closed its funding round, securing $220 million of its $230 million target since Q2 2024. The remaining $10 million, committed by automotive giant Stellantis, is expected to be transferred pending shareholder approval later this year.
Total funding: This brings Archer’s total funding to over $1.5 billion. The new funds will support the company’s efforts toward industrialization and commercialization, with key investments in engineering, manufacturing, testing, and R&D.
Commenting on second quarter 2024 results, Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said: “This has been one of Archer’s most productive quarters yet. From Midnight’s first transition flight, to the progress we’ve made on the build out of high-volume manufacturing facilities alongside Stellantis, to the commercial progress we’re making with Southwest, United, and more—we are working tirelessly to enable commercial operations all over the world.”
$6 billion worth of contracts: Archer has also secured nearly $6 billion in manufacturing contracts, including a $580 million deal with Future Flight Global for 116 units of its Midnight aircraft.
eVTOL Airports: Archer Aviation has unveiled plans for an air taxi network in Los Angeles, timed to launch ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Summer Olympics. The network will feature vertiports at key locations, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), University of Southern California, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, and Van Nuys. Additionally, Archer is planning a network at airports served by Southwest Airlines in California and five vertiports in the Bay Area.
“With the additional funding and planned LA network we announced today, Archer is well-positioned to meet our goal of commercialization as early as next year,” Adam Goldstein said.
