The US-based Archer Aviation announced that it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the U.S. Air Force to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142 million.

This reflects the US Air Force’s intent to trial the commercial-focused aircraft for military operational use.

Archer’s Midnight is a manned, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights. The electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has a range of up to 160 km and an expected payload of approximately 450 kg. 

Initially, Archer’s aims to enable speedier transport in urban areas by replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights. 

The US Department of Defence has approved Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft for military airworthiness, allowing the aircraft to proceed to flight testing by AFWERX, a technology directorate of the U.S. Air Force. 

A team from the US Air Force collaborated with Archer’s flight test team, conducting simulated missions including medical evacuation, cargo transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Designed with a proprietary electric powertrain and a low noise profile, the Midnight aircraft aims to improve military aviation operations.  

Archer expects that Midnight will offer a safer, more cost-effective, and quieter alternative to traditional internal combustion engine aircraft, enhancing rapid response and operational effectiveness across various mission scenarios.

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