Summary AFWERX aims to innovate Air & Space capabilities with Archer's Midnight eVTOL, offering unique military applications and enhanced operational capabilities. Midnight eVTOL can insert special ops forces and transport medical personnel safely, reducing risks of attack by drones or mines in war zones. Joint and separate US Air Force & Archer testing explores new capabilities for the Midnight eVTOL.
The US Air Force has taken delivery of an Archer Midnight eVTOL for further flight testing. Although the Midnight eVTOL, according to an Archer spokeslady, has a maximum range of 100 miles and is focused on flying rapid back-to-back trips of 20-50 miles, the Midnight eVTOL, with a 1,000-pound payload and quiet flight at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, offers military operators unique capabilities. AFWERX in search of “disruptive Air & Space capabilities” Yes, Archer, after proper compensation, was able to place a Midnight eVTOL in the care of AFWERX.
What’s AFWERX? AFWERX describes itself as, “the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force” with a clear vision to, “Forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air & Space capabilities.” Clearly, eVTOL promises to be disruptive. For instance, eVTOL can insert special operations forces such as combat controllers who have special warfare skills and can also conduct air traffic control in war zones.
One can watch their mission below, understanding that if those forces could get in quietly that reduces risk: Additionally, eVTOL can be used as a short-range transport to and from hospitals, reducing the risk of medical transport being attacked by drones or mines. This role was tested recently by US Air Force personnel alongside Archer’s flight test team, among several others. To highlight the risk to medical personnel in today’s war zones, a Ukrainian medic in her evacuation vehicle was killed by a Russian first-person view (FPV) drone: Finally, during the recent joint US Air Force and Archer testing, two other roles were tested.
First, cargo, which with a 1,000-pound payload and decent range before the batteries need to be replaced or charged can replace helicopters. Second, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights were also tested. The quiet flight of the Midnight eVTOL can help in those missions.
Keep up with the latest Simple Flying coverage of military aviation here As Colonel Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, shared in an August 15 statement, “Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to enhance our operational capabilities significantly. We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.” More flight tests towards standard flight operations Of course, AFWERX is not the only party test flying Archer.
Archer is still conducting flight tests as one can read about below to extend Midnight’s flight envelope and ensure the safest possible operation of Midnight. Archer Aviation announces being on course for conducting over 400 test flights in 2024, having already conducted 233 for FAA certification. In 2026 to support the World Cup coming to America, Midnight will take to the skies as a civilian transport.
In the Los Angeles area, contracts have already been inked to base Midnight eVTOLs. The network includes six airports in the area and will likely expand to a university and sporting facilities. Bottom line Ultimately, this delivery is a new beginning not just for the US Air Force but also for Archer Aviation, which now joins the small number of defense contractors able to build crewed aircraft for the US Department of Defense.
As Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, explained in an August 15 statement, “This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation. Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology.” Indeed.
Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL promises to be a zero-emission, quieter replacement for the utility helicopter..
