Archer confirms three conforming, piloted Midnight aircraft now under construction; to be used in ‘for credit’ testing by FAA
Archer has announced today (Wednesday) that it is well under way in constructing the Company’s first three conforming Midnight aircraft, with the first set to begin final assembly in the coming weeks.
Archer’s initial fleet of piloted aircraft will begin flight testing later this year, and subsequently be used in ‘for credit’ testing with the Federal Aviation Administration as the company progresses towards commercialisation in 2025.
These aircraft will have key components and systems that conform to the intended type design for FAA certification, enabling ‘for credit’ flight testing after the completion of the Company’s flight testing phase planned for later this year. Final assembly will be done at Archer’s manufacturing facility in San Jose, California.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said: “The key to achieving FAA certification is flying a conforming aircraft. I believe we are positioned to be the first in the sector to do so.
“From day one, Archer’s strategy has been to build an aircraft that is certifiable and manufacturable at scale. This focus is what has allowed us to move quicker and more efficiently than any other company in the industry over the last few years.”
Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20 minute flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation.
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.