Archer receives first payment for US Air Force eVTOL pilot trainer
Archer’s Midnight aircraft’s target payload is approximately 1,000lbs and is designed for short-distance trips. (Photo: Archer Aviation)
The partnership between the US Air Force and Archer Aviation will aim to develop a deeper understanding of eVTOL platforms for military purposes.
The USAF has provided Archer Aviation with its first instalment of nearly US$1 million on their recently announced contracts valued at up to $142 million.
The deal covers the delivery of a simulator that the USAF and Archer will jointly use for pilot training, flight control assessment and enhancing air force personnel understanding of Archer's eVTOL aircraft platform for civilian use, as well as its potential development for USAF purposes.
The simulator will also be deployed to key public and industry events to increase public awareness and engagement with eVTOL technology.
Related Articles
UK-Brazilian initiative targets 2026 for low-cost military eVTOL
US Air Force continues to invest in eVTOL capabilities
First US Air Force T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer poised to be delivered
The company will supply up to six Midnight eVTOL aircraft to the USAF under the same contract.
Several more of Archer’s deliverables are already underway with the USAF as part of the contract, which include the sharing of wind tunnel testing reports, project-specific certification plans and Subject Specific Certification Plans.
Archer Aviation 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. The project has goals of bringing new technologies to the USAF by partnering with small businesses and start ups.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft’s target payload is approximately 1,000lbs (453kg) and has been designed for short-distance trips with the capability to carry four passengers and a pilot.
The manufacturer revealed its eVTOL platform last November, completed the manufacturing of the first aircraft recently and it is working to get the platform FAA certified by 2024.
More from Training
-
![MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment]()
MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment
A recent demonstration by the French Army saw MASA’s SWORD simulation software integrated with Bohemia Interactive’s Virtual Battlespace to conduct a counter-battery scenario that showcased enhanced training capabilities via realistic visualisation and the execution of military operations.
-
![Babcock unveils “realistic” military modular training facility]()
Babcock unveils “realistic” military modular training facility
The immersive training facility has been designed to offer realistic environmental simulations and biometric monitoring.
-
![Turkey completes Romania air policing mission]()
Turkey completes Romania air policing mission
Turkish F-16 experience was praised by Romanian fighter pilots as Turkey completes first participation in NATO southern mission.
-
![First ARTEMIS F-5 arrives in US for training programme]()
First ARTEMIS F-5 arrives in US for training programme
The Avionics Reconfiguration and Tactical Enhancement/Modernization for Inventory Standardization (ARTEMIS) programme has involved upgraded cockpit, avionics and supporting aircraft architecture. A total of 22 additional F-5s were procured from Switzerland to support ARTEMIS.
