Courtesy Archer Aviation
* Archer has been partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) since 2021 on a series of projects through the Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes
* This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to 6 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which the Air Force is targeting for use in personnel transport and logistics support, rescue operations and more
* This expansion of Archer’s partnership with the DoD represents a significant investment in the future of the country and will help ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership position in aviation
* The other military branches have the opportunity to leverage these contracts as a platform for additional projects, which could increase the total value of Archer’s DoD partnership
SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 31, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced that it has significantly expanded its partnership with the DoD by signing new contracts with the U.S. Air Force with a total value of up to $142 million. The new contracts signal the U.S. military's recognition of the transformative potential Archer’s innovative eVTOL aircraft brings to our country’s Armed Forces. This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to six of Archer’s Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, the sharing of additional flight test data and certification related test reports, pilot training, and the development of maintenance and repair operations. As a result of these contracts, Archer will create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The non-military commercial possibilities for this type of aircraft are impressive .... Flying taxis look even closer to takeoff after a former top FAA official joins a big eVTOL company. Meet Archer's Midnight — which United wants to fly in 2025.(Insider).
Update: I doubt this is going to happen anytime soon .... Archer EVTOL Deal With Air Force Could Ground Choppers (Forbes).
U.S. Air Force Wants A Fleet Of Electric Vertical Takeoff And Landing Aircraft, Or eVTOLs
Archer secures $142m contract to deliver up to six 'Midnight' eVTOLs to USAF -- Flight Global
US Air Force to Buy Up to Six Archer Electric Flying Taxis -- Bloomberg
USAF invests $142M in Archer eVTOL aircraft -- Aero Time
U.S. Air Force and Archer enter into contracts worth up to $142 million -- Vertical Magazine
The U.S. Air Force Just Spent $142 Million on These eVTOLs -- Robb Report