American electric aircraft maker Archer Aviation proudly announced in early May that its first Midnight eVTOL had completed its final production phase and is set to undergo the necessary flight test.
Now, the company delivered another major advancement as it has received a number of Midnight eVTOL orders from the United States Department of Defense, particularly for the Air Force’sForce’s operation. Remarkably, the eVTOL purchase contract is worth up to $142 million.
Partnership expansion
As per the press release, Archer Aviation and the US Air Force’sForce’s expanded partnership has finally entered the execution stage of their agreements, which involves the delivery of up to six Midnight eVTOL units.
The newly inked purchase contract prompted the eVTOL developer to share more key information regarding the Midnight aircraft, such as the following:
- flight test data
- certification-related test reports
- pilot training
Apart from that, the Department of Defense’s Agility Prime program also committed Archer Aviation to assist the agency in establishing maintenance and repair operations for the Midnight eVTOL.
Notably, this significant purchase contract demonstrates the Air Force’s optimistic view of vertical flight for its operations. It includes personnel transport, logistics, and rescue operations.
“It is our mission to ensure the US continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology. eVTOL aircraft represent the cusp of the third revolution in aerospace, and these aircraft and their descendants will drive advances in capabilities and efficiency. Our contracts with Archer Aviation provide the US Department of Defense and US Air Force the opportunity to play a role in ensuring from the onset, and as the technology evolves, that we unlock the many benefits these aircraft have to offer the US military.”
Colonel Tom Meagher, AFWERX Agility Prime Program’sProgram’s Head
The report further noted that Archer will maintain its partnership with the US Department of Defense as part of a Government Services Advisory Board.
All that said, the Archer Aviation Chief Executive also expressed his enthusiasm over the expanded partnership with the Air Force.
“This historic agreement reflects the steadfast commitment by our Armed Forces to embrace the cutting-edge technology our eVTOL aircraft offer. It’sIt’s clear that the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology continue to remain a national priority. We look forward to working closely with the US Department of Defense and the US Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics and rescue operations.”
Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein
See Also:
- Archer Aviation deploys first Midnight eVTOL ahead of the official launch
- Stellantis to mass produce Archer’sArcher’s air taxi under the $150 million deal
- Archer and United Airlines announced the first commercial electric air taxi route in the US
- eVTOLS could decide future of urban air mobility
- United Airlines invests $15 Million in electric aircraft startup Eve Air Mobility
The US Air Force’sForce’s significant purchase of Archer Aviation’sAviation’s Midnight eVTOL does not only boost the company’scompany’s revenue. It will also aid the US government in reducing CO2 emissions from air transportation. As a result, this partnership can potentially revolutionize the aerospace industry towards a more sustainable alternative.
