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
-
![Vietnam receives first batch of L-39NG jets and awaits US trainers]()
Vietnam receives first batch of L-39NG jets and awaits US trainers
The 12 L-39NGs jet trainers ordered by Vietnam will replace the country’s fleet of L-39C Albatros jets.
-
![Southern Fenix rises in the Atacama Desert as militaries train together]()
Southern Fenix rises in the Atacama Desert as militaries train together
The exercise aimed to foster hemispheric collaboration and was the first deployment of the M142 HIMARS system in such training.
-
![New army training facility for NATO soldiers opens at Virginia navy base]()
New army training facility for NATO soldiers opens at Virginia navy base
The facility will make training for the ACFT significantly more comfortable and will aim to boost morale among troops.
-
![First RAAF pilot completes Ghost Bat training]()
First RAAF pilot completes Ghost Bat training
Designed as a multirole system to escort crewed aircraft, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat began development in 2013 and took its first flight in February 2021. The training of the first military pilot is a major milestone.
-
![New mixed reality pilot training delivers tactile advantage]()
New mixed reality pilot training delivers tactile advantage
The US Office of Naval Research has developed an approach that combines realistic buttons with virtual vistas.
