WASHINGTON - Some military helicopters may be hovering over obsolescence. Looking to reduce costs while increasing safety, the U.S. Air Force signed a new $142 million contract with Archer Aviation Inc., which develops and builds electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, Ed Garsten reports for Forbes. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
1 Aug. 2023 -Archer has been partnering with the DoD since 2021 on a series of projects through the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes. Now, with Archer recently completing the manufacturing of its first Midnight aircraft, the DoD recognizes that with its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, target payload of approximately 1,000lbs, proprietary electric powertrain system, and low noise profile, Archer’s aircraft represents a potential paradigm shift in military aviation and operations. These aircraft hold the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility, and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles, from personnel transport and logistics support to rescue operations and more. Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate and maintain in the field.
This announcement comes on the heels of Archer announcing the formation of the company’s Government Services Advisory Board in May. The goal of the advisory board is to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore opportunities to commercialize its eVTOL aircraft. The members of this advisory board are assisting and facilitating Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft and related technologies. The board includes Retired 4-star General Steve Townsend, Retired 3-star Lieutenant General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.
Related: Joby Aviation receives permit to fly first eVTOL built on production line/a>
Related: Safran and Archer collaborate on avionics for Archer's Midnight eVTOL
Related: Eve begins testing its eVTOL rotors aboard a new custom truck-mounted platform
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
