Flying Taxi Company Completes Phase 1; Speed Testing Next

An eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company completed the first phase of its flight testing and is now moving into the next phase, which includes speed testing.

The first phase of the test program for the Archer Aviation Midnight EAV (electric aerial vehicles) involved progressively more complex flight maneuvers, leading to the capture of more data for analysis. 

The next phase involves an incremental approach to speed testing with the EAV flying at greater and greater speeds until achieving full wing-borne transition.

The transition would demonstrate the ability to take off and land vertically and cruise efficiently in wing-borne flight.

“Midnight is progressing efficiently through our flight test program,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “Over the last four years of flight testing, our team has been able to gather a tremendous amount of data and learnings that enable us to advance Midnight rapidly towards certification. Our team’s focus on safety and relentless execution has gotten us to where we are today and is what will allow us to achieve what no other company in the world has done to date--bring electric air taxis to cities across the U.S. and the globe.”

The third phase would involve flying simulated commercial routes to demonstrate the operational readiness of the EAV.

Related:Flying Taxi Company Teams With NASA for Batteries

Archer recently signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the testing of Archer’s battery cell and system design, with plans to share the results to aid the advanced air mobility (AAM) market.

For its part, Archer is planning a high-performing battery pack for the Midnight air taxi validating that the cells are suitable for aerospace applications and for potential usage in space.

Midnight’s battery system was recently upgraded to include some of the first high-voltage battery packs from the Archer manufacturing facility in San Jose, California.

Archer and NASA plan to focus on further testing the safety, energy and power performance capabilities of the battery cells. 

Archer is beginning mass manufacturing of its electric air taxi.

The company recently signed a deal with Air Chateau International for the private aviation operator to purchase the electric aerial vehicles (EAV) to be operated in the United Arab Emirates.

Archer and Air Chateau also plan to explore opportunities around infrastructure investment necessary for regional cities to prepare for operations.

Archer previously outlined its intent to build an engineering center of excellence to support the growing advanced air mobility industry in the UAE and across the Middle East.

Related:Flying Taxi Deal Signed; $500M for 100 Flying Vehicles for UAE

Archer recently announced plans to start air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026.

Archer is not alone in expanding its global operation.

EAV jet maker Lilium recently announced that ArcosJet DMCC is going to purchase 10 of its electric jets and become the exclusive dealer for its private jets in the region.

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