Electric flying taxi company Archer Aviation has achieved a significant milestone by completing 400 test flights, four months ahead of its scheduled goal for the year.
This accomplishment marks a major step forward in the development and commercialisation of electric aerial vehicles (EAVs).
Key Takeaways
- Archer Aviation completed 400 test flights four months ahead of schedule.
- The test flights provided valuable data on vehicle loads, vibrations, performance, and handling.
- Archer has secured significant funding and partnerships to support its growth and expansion.
Early Completion of Test Flights
Archer Aviation's test flights were designed to gather comprehensive data on various aspects of the flying vehicles. These included longer distance flights, increased daily operations, landings in different wind conditions, and hovering to collect noise data. The early completion of these flights demonstrates the company's commitment to advancing its technology and achieving its ambitious goals.
“When we first set our goal for 400 flights this year it was viewed as aggressive, but here we are in August already knocking it out,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer. “I’m proud of the Archer flight test team and the supporting groups that made it happen.”
Significant Funding and Partnerships
Archer recently closed on a $220 million capital investment, bringing its total funding to over $1.5 billion. Major investors include United Airlines and Stellantis. This new funding is expected to provide Archer with the ability to access up to an additional $400 million in capital in exchange for equity at future stock prices.
United Airlines had made a pre-delivery payment for 100 Archer electric aerial vehicles in 2022. Archer is also selling 116 of its Midnight electric flying vehicles to Future Flight Global (FFG) in a deal valued at up to $580 million, bringing the total estimated future sales of Archer EAVs to $6 billion.
Expansion Plans
Archer is planning to launch air taxi services in various regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the United States, the company is developing an air taxi network in Los Angeles, with takeoff and landing facilities at key locations such as Los Angeles International Airport, USC, Orange County, Santa Monica, Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, and Van Nuys, scheduled to start in 2026.
The Archer Midnight, designed for trips of 20 to 50 miles, can carry four passengers, a pilot, and carry-on luggage. It can travel up to 150 mph and is designed for back-to-back flights with just 10 minutes of battery charging between flights.
Manufacturing and Future Prospects
Archer is on track to complete its manufacturing plant in Georgia by the end of this year. The 400,000-square-foot facility in Covington is expected to produce 650 Archer Midnight flying vehicles annually.
The company has also received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin operating EAVs commercially. This certification allows Archer to carry United Airlines passengers to and from airports on Archer flying vehicles once Type Certification is received, which could be in 2025.
Archer's global expansion includes a deal with Kakao Mobility in Korea for the purchase of up to 50 Archer Midnights, valued at $250 million. The company is also establishing urban air mobility operations across the UAE with the help of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Falcon Aviation, and Air Chateau.
Conclusion
Archer Aviation's early completion of 400 test flights is a testament to the company's dedication and technological prowess. With substantial funding, strategic partnerships, and ambitious expansion plans, Archer is well-positioned to revolutionise urban air mobility and make electric flying taxis a reality in the near future.
Sources
- Air Taxi Company Completes 400 Test Flights 4 Months Early, IoT World Today.
- Most Read: Humanoid Robot Prototype Launches for Home Use, Air Taxi Company Completes 400 Test Flights 4 Months Early, IoT World Today.
