Archer Aviation delivers eVTOL to USAF

Archer Midnight

Archer has delivered its first Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF) for evaluation

The aircraft was created part of the USAF’s Agility Prime contract, which is valued at up to US$142 million.

The delivery comes after the US Department of Defense accepted the Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment – an approval that confirms the aircraft’s readiness for flight testing and validation for specific operational mission concepts.

A team of USAF personnel is now working with Archer’s flight test team to conduct simulated medical evacuation; cargo; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) flights in Salinas, California.

“This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO at Archer Aviation.

Archer Aviation formed a partnership with automotive corporation Stellantis to support the development of the Midnight last year.