Archer, a leading developer of all-electric aircraft, has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards full-fledged flight certification and commercial operations. The company recently completed a piloted flight in its flagship Midnight aircraft, showcasing a conventional takeoff and landing, in addition to its vertical capabilities. This achievement marks a crucial step forward for Archer as it progresses towards its goal of revolutionizing the aviation industry with electric aircraft.
Archer, which is publicly traded under the ticker symbol ACHR, has been making waves in the electric aviation sector with its innovative approach to air travel. The California-based company recently secured the exclusive air taxi provider status for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.
While Archer has been making headlines with its ambitious plans for all-electric air taxi networks, the focus has shifted to the practical aspects of flight testing. Last week’s piloted flight in the Midnight aircraft represents a significant development in this regard, showcasing the company’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
The piloted flight, conducted by Archer’s chief test pilot Jeff Greenwood, demonstrated the aircraft’s conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, reaching a top speed of 125 mph and a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level. Greenwood, who joined Archer in 2021, praised the engineering and operational excellence of the team, highlighting their attention to detail and dedication to safety.
Moving forward, Greenwood and his team of test pilots will continue to test key elements of the Midnight aircraft, including flight control responsiveness, stability, aerodynamics, and control model validation. The data collected from these tests will be crucial in supporting Archer’s certification and commercialization efforts with regulators in the US and the United Arab Emirates.
Archer’s successful piloted flight marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards revolutionizing the aviation industry with all-electric aircraft. As the company continues to push the boundaries of electric aviation, the future looks promising for sustainable and efficient air travel. Watch the full piloted flight video of the Midnight aircraft below to witness this groundbreaking achievement.
