SALINAS, Calif. - Two months after beginning bona fide piloted flights in its flagship Midnight eVTOL aircraft, Archer Aviation reports its aerial technology has flown farther than ever. Archer says it has successfully completed its longest eVTOL flight to date with a pilot on board, Scooter Doll writes for Electrek. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
19 August 2025 - Archer Aviation has achieved its longest piloted flight yet in its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking another milestone toward commercial service. The company reported that the flight, conducted over Salinas, Calif., lasted 31 minutes and covered 55 miles, the farthest distance its flagship aircraft has flown with a pilot on board.
The Midnight used conventional takeoff and landing for the test, though it is designed to operate in both CTOL and VTOL modes. During the flight, the aircraft reached speeds above 126 mph, consistent with previous tests. Archer also noted that more recent trials have demonstrated performance approaching 150 mph.
The achievement comes two months after Archer began piloted flights of the Midnight, which earlier this summer reached 125 mph and 1,500 feet altitude in its first crewed mission. The company was recently named the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
