Air Force Signs $142M EVTOL Deal With Archer Aviation

Archer Aviation has signed a $142 million deal with the U.S. Air Force to provide electric vertical and takeoff landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The agreement includes the delivery of six Archer Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, as an expansion of its partnership with the Department of Defense. 

The electric aerial vehicle (EAV) can carry payloads of 1,000 pounds, and has a proprietary electric powertrain and a low noise profile.

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“Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate and maintain in the field,” Archer stated in announcing the deal.

“This historic agreement reflects the steadfast commitment by our Armed Forces to embrace the cutting-edge technology our eVTOL aircraft offer,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer founder and CEO. “It’s clear that the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology continues to remain a national priority. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics and rescue operations.”

Related:Archer Aviation’s Midnight Air Taxi Set for Paris Debut

Archer also is working with United Airlines and last year received a $10 million pre-delivery payment from United for 100 aircraft, according to the company.

Archer is creating a facility in Georgia to build EVOLs.

The company is backed by the European technology holding company Team Global, which also has investments in other electric aerial vehicle companies AutoFlight and Volocopter.