SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Archer Aviation Inc. in Santa Clara, Calif. announced it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the U.S. Air Force to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142 million.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has a range of up to 100 miles and an expected payload of approximately 1,000 pounds. Archer’s aims to enable speedier transport in urban areas by replacing 60-90 minute commutes by car, with estimated 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. The U.S. Air Force is trialing the commercial-focused aircraft for military operational use.
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved Archer Aviation's Midnight aircraft for military airworthiness, allowing the aircraft to proceed to flight testing by AFWERX, a technology directorate of the U.S. Air Force. This milestone paves the way for government-directed testing to evaluate the aircraft’s suitability for military-specific missions.
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A team from the U.S. Air Force collaborated with Archer’s flight test team at Salinas, conducting simulated missions including medical evacuation, cargo transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
"This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation," said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. "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."
Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, noted the potential impact of the Midnight aircraft. "Archer's Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities," Leigh said. "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."
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The Midnight aircraft, designed with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, a proprietary electric powertrain, and a low noise profile, is aimed at improving military aviation operations. Archer anticipates that Midnight will offer a safer, more cost-effective, and quieter alternative to traditional internal combustion engine aircraft, enhancing rapid response and operational effectiveness across a variety of mission scenarios.
