Archer Aviation announced on October 25, 2023 that its flight test program reached another key milestone with the takeoff of the company’s ADAVe Midnight aircraft. A first hovering flight, the aircraft should move into level flight in the coming months according to its manufacturer.
The Midnight takes off…
Archer Aviation announced on October 25, 2023 that its flight test program reached another key milestone with the takeoff of the company’s ADAVe (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft) Midnight aircraft. At the moment it is hovering. But this step is an extension of four years of Archer flight tests, including two years of full-scale flight tests with Maker, the prototype or rather technological demonstrator validating the systems intended to be used on Midnight.
…A launch on the market scheduled for 2025
“This new phase of Archer’s flight test program is only possible because of the four years of flight testing we have carried out. Midnight builds on the successes of its predecessor and represents another significant milestone on Archer’s path to commercialization,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “The next year and a half will be dedicated to continuing to rapidly advance our flight test program and Archer’s electric air taxi operations, as we prepare to bring Midnight to market in 2025 “, he added.
From stationary to landing in the coming months
As Archer’s flight test program continues to progress, Midnight’s flight envelope is expected to rapidly transition from hover to level flight in the coming months, paving the way for the company to begin “for credit” testing of its Midnight aircraft with the FAA next year, with a view to entering service in 2025. Alongside the Midnight flight test program, Archer intends to continue the test program in-flight Maker and conduct simulated commercial flights to continue to advance the company’s operational readiness.
10 to 20 min flight at competitive cost
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel by replacing 60 to 90 minute car journeys with electric air taxi flights lasting an estimated 10 to 20 minutes, which are safe, sustainable, low-noise and affordable. a competitive cost compared to land transport. Archer’s Midnight is a four-passenger piloted aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.
