Summary Flight testing for Midnight is ahead of schedule & focusing on transition flights, high-rate flights, landing profiles, acoustic testing & optimizing control laws. Archer Aviation aims to start eVTOL services this decade in major cities, charging Uber Black prices or lower, with strategic partnerships in place. Midnight's potential military variant may be cost-effective for moving people short distances, complementing helicopters with lower operational costs.
Recently, Simple Flying interviewed Bryan Bernhard, Archer Aviation’s Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer. Bernhard explained his role as “all things related to the ground infrastructure for the business, and that also supports the existing manufacturing and workspace needs.” However, this is also a good time to update readers on Archer Aviation's recent progress towards its goals.
Flight testing proceeding well First, flight testing for Archer Aviation’s Midnight is proceeding well, with a September 3 statement that Midnight surpassed 400 test flights in 2024 four months ahead of schedule. Flight tests focus on these five issues: Transition flights: These involve transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight and thereby being able to conduct longer-distance flights at higher speeds. High-rate flights: Increasing per-day flights to ensure Midnight’s ability to handle airline service Landing profiles: Ensuring Midnight can land safely at proper speed and attitude, regardless of wind.
Acoustic test.