Archer Aviation Delivers First Midnight eVTOL Aircraft to US Air Forces for Military Evaluation.

Archer Aviation successfully delivered its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Midnight aircraft to the United States Air Force (USAF) under the AFWERX Agility Prime contract, valued at up to $142 million. This milestone marks an important step in Archer's collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD). The delivery follows the DoD's acceptance of the Midnight aircraft's military airworthiness assessment, a key approval confirming the aircraft's readiness for government-led flight testing and evaluation of specific operational and military mission concepts.
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Archer delivered Midnight to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for evaluation as part of Archer’s AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142M (Picture source: Archer Aviation)

The Midnight aircraft was handed over to the USAF at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, California. A team of USAF personnel is working closely with Archer's flight test team to accelerate operations with Midnight, focusing on various simulated missions, including medical evacuations, cargo transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) flights.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized the significance of this delivery, noting its impact on both the company and the future of military aviation. The USAF is assessing the aircraft's potential to enhance operational capabilities, particularly through its vertical takeoff and landing abilities, electric powertrain, and reduced noise profile. The Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a safer, more cost-effective, and quieter alternative to traditional internal combustion engine options, thereby enhancing the USAF’s rapid response and operational efficiency across different mission profiles.

In addition to its partnership with the USAF, Archer collaborated with automotive giant Stellantis to support the development of the Midnight aircraft. This partnership underscores the company’s commitment to advancing aeronautical technologies.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) plays a critical role in the evaluation process, leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies. The AFRL’s involvement ensures that the Midnight aircraft undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation for its potential contributions to air, space, and cyber operations.

The successful delivery and ongoing evaluation of the Midnight aircraft highlight Archer Aviation’s role in shaping the future of military aviation and strengthening the United States' leadership in advanced aeronautical technologies.