Archer Aviation and Stellantis are gearing up to showcase their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, in its European debut at the upcoming 2023 Paris Air Show’s air mobility event. This demonstration marks an important milestone for Archer as it prepares for the commercial launch of Midnight in 2025.
The collaboration between Archer Aviation and Stellantis began in 2020, and in January of this year, they announced that Stellantis would serve as the exclusive manufacturer of Archer’s innovative aircraft.
Midnight, which was initially unveiled last year, has been specifically designed to revolutionize urban air transportation. With the ability to navigate through dense environments, the aircraft is ideal for short trips within cities, averaging around 20 miles. Powered by six battery packs, Midnight boasts an impressive payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and can accommodate four passengers in addition to the pilot.
One of the standout features of Midnight is its rapid charging capability, requiring only 10 minutes of charging time. This ensures quick turnaround times between flights, making it a practical option for back-to-back journeys in urban areas.
Archer’s ultimate objective is to transform inter-city travel, replacing lengthy car commutes, which can often take over an hour in traffic, with 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights. The company aims to provide a safe, sustainable, low-noise, and cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation.
To ensure the utmost safety and reliability, Midnight is equipped with a comprehensive control system. It incorporates four flight control computers and employs redundant inertial navigation, Global Navigation Satellite System, and Above Ground Level sensors, which deliver robust and accurate data to the pilot.
In May, Archer announced the commencement of the final assembly and initial testing phase for Midnight, attracting attention from the U.S. Department of Defense. This recognition speaks to the aircraft’s potential and underscores Archer’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge eVTOL technology.
Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed confidence in the company’s strategy and its ability to lead the market. He stated, “From day one, Archer’s strategy has always been about finding the most efficient path to commercializing eVTOL aircraft. We believe our strategy and team’s ability to execute on it has allowed us to establish our leadership position in the market, and is why we are confident we will be the first company to certify an eVTOL aircraft in the U.S. with the FAA.”
With the eagerly anticipated debut of Midnight at the 2023 Paris Air Show, Archer Aviation and Stellantis are poised to make a significant impact on the future of urban air transportation, bringing us one step closer to a world of efficient and sustainable aerial mobility.
