California-based startup Archer Aviation has announced the delivery of the first of six Midnight eVTOLs to the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
The electric aircraft will be used in evaluations as part of the AFWERX Agility Prime program valued at up to $142 million.
The USAF plans to test the eVTOL in a variety of missions as an alternative to combustion-engine helicopters.
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These include simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights.
The delivery was made possible after the U.S. Department of Defense accepted the Midnight’s military airworthiness evaluation.
This allows AFWERX to conduct government-directed testing of the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and validate specific operational and military mission concepts, Archer explained.
“This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. “Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology.”
“Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. “We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.”
Archer is still working to obtain civil certification for Midnight, one of the numerous eVTOLs currently under development around the world.
