US Air Force continues to invest in eVTOL capabilities
Midnight is designed to carry payloads over 453kg. (Photo: Archer Aviation)
The USAF has decided to purchase up to six Archer Aviation Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The contract is worth up to $142 million, and the execution phase will include the eVTOL platform.
Archer will also share additional flight test data and certification-related reports, pilot training and the development of maintenance and repair operations.
The company has been collaborating with the US DoD since 2021 through the USAF’s AFWERX programme to help assess the potentials of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for the US services. AFWERX is aiming to bring new technologies to the USAF by
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.