Archer Aviation gains DoD interest for Midnight eVTOL

The Archer Aviation Midnight prototype parked on the tarmac.
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
Len Varley - Assistant Editor 4 Min Read
4 Min Read

AAM aircraft designer Archer Aviation has garnered significant interest from the US Department of defence as its new Midnight eVTOL aircraft progresses towards its commercialisation and mass production phase of development.

In response, Archer will form a Government Services Advisory Board to support the expansion of its existing relationship with the Department of defence.

DoD interest and potential applications


The Department of Defence has expressed interest in the aircraft’s performance specifications including Midnight’s payload capability of approximately 1000 lbs.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft is currently progressing towards commercialization and mass production phase of development, with completion of the conforming test aircraft planned for Q4 2023.

The DoD potential use cases for Archer’s Midnight aircraft are focused on applications such as rescue operations and supply chain logistics.

Government Services Advisory Board


Archer Aviation Inc. have formally announced the formation of a Government Services Advisory Board to support the planned expansion of its existing relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Over the last few years, Archer has completed several projects with the DoD and has several still underway.

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This advisory board will further build on Archer’s expertise and perspective of government programs and procurement strategies.

The development of the Board will allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore additional opportunities to commercialize eVTOL aircraft.

In addition, the board members will assist and facilitate Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of eVTOL aircraft technologies.

Initial Board appointees


The initial appointees to the board are 6 highly decorated and distinguished military leaders: Retired 3-star General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, Retired General Steve Townsend, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.

Archer’s Head of Government Relations, Dr. Michael Romanowski, a former 14-year veteran at the Federal Aviation Administration with over 20 years of executive leadership-experience in aerospace who joined Archer last August, will serve as chairperson of the board.

“We understand the importance of fostering strong and purposeful relationships across the whole-of-government to enable and support the safe integration of eVTOL aircraft in the U.S.,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO.

“The development and commercialization of AAM technologies must remain a strategic national priority and having such decorated and informed military veterans advising us will help us ensure that is the case.”

The Archer Aviation eVTOL aircraft Midnight in showroom display.
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation

About the Midnight eVTOL


In February 2021, Archer announced the new concept aircraft called the “Midnight.”

The Archer Midnight is a sleek, five-passenger eVTOL aircraft that is designed for quick, quiet, and efficient travel within urban areas.

The aircraft features six tilting rotors that allow it to take off and land vertically, as well as fly horizontally at speeds of up to 150 mph (240 km/h). The Midnight is powered by a 150 kW electric propulsion system that is designed to be quiet and emission-free.

One of the most unique features of the Midnight is its design, which includes a spacious cabin with panoramic windows and ample legroom for passengers.

The aircraft is also equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems, including a triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control system and a full suite of sensors and cameras to ensure safe and reliable operation.

The company is targeting completion of its initial conforming Midnight aircraft in Q4 2023. In turn, that conforming aircraft would then begin piloted flight test operations in early 2024.

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