Archer Midnight

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Operational Information

Overview:
The Archer Midnight eVTOL, an evolution of the demonstrator aircraft Maker, is designed for urban air mobility, offering a sustainable, quiet, and safe air travel option for up to four passengers plus a pilot. Optimized for back-to-back 20-mile trips with a quick 10-minute charging time, Archer aims for FAA certification by late 2024 and plans to launch its urban air mobility network in 2025.
Aircraft type:
Aircraft Model
Midnight
Manufacturer
Archer
Use Case
Crew
  • Piloted
Propulsion
  • Electric Multicopter
Enter service date.
2025
Website
https://www.archer.com/

Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL is a cutting-edge aircraft that combines vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with efficient forward flight. Designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, the Midnight boasts a range of up to 100 miles and a top speed of 150 mph. Its quiet electric propulsion system and compact size make it ideal for urban operations, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to ground transportation.

Description

The Archer Midnight is a fully electric, piloted eVTOL aircraft showcasing the latest urban air mobility advancements. Its unique design features six tilting propellers on the wing leading edges and six additional lift propellers, enabling smooth transitions between vertical and forward flight modes. The aircraft's lightweight carbon fiber composite airframe and high-efficiency electric motors contribute to its impressive performance and sustainability. Inside the Midnight's cabin, passengers will find a spacious and comfortable environment with panoramic windows, offering stunning views during their short flights. The aircraft's advanced avionics and flight control systems ensure a safe and smooth journey, while its fast charging capabilities allow for quick turnarounds between flights. Archer Aviation has ambitious plans for the Midnight, targeting certification by 2024 and commercial operations beginning in 2025. The company has already secured significant investments and partnerships, including a $1 billion order from United Airlines for up to 200 Midnight aircraft.

Competitors

The Archer Midnight faces competition from other eVTOL developers in the rapidly growing urban air mobility market. Some of its main competitors include:

  1. Joby Aviation's S4: A five-seat eVTOL with a range of up to 150 miles and a top speed of 200 mph.
  2. Lilium Jet: A seven-seat eVTOL featuring 36 ducted fans and a range of up to 186 miles.
  3. Volocopter 2X: A two-seat eVTOL with 18 rotors and a range of up to 22 miles.

Comparison Table

AircraftSeatsRange (miles)Top Speed (mph)Propulsion
Archer Midnight 4 + 1 100 150 6 tilt + 6 lift propellers
Joby Aviation S4 4 + 1 150 200 6 tilt rotors
Lilium Jet 6 + 1 186 186 36 ducted fans
Volocopter 2X 1 + 1 22 68 18 rotors

 

Specifications

  • Passenger Capacity: 4 passengers + 1 pilot
  • Maximum Range: 100 miles
  • Maximum Speed: 150 mph
  • Cruise Altitude: 2,000 feet
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 7,000 lb (3,175 kg)
  • Propellers: 12 (6 tilt + 6 lift)
  • Electric Motors: 12
  • Power Source: 6 independent lithium-ion battery packs
  • Noise Level: ~45 dBA during cruise

What is the expected price range for the Archer Midnight

Based on the information provided in the search results, the expected price range for the Archer Midnight eVTOL aircraft is as follows:

  • Archer's chief commercial officer, Nikhil Gupta, told Business Insider that with no fuel cost, the Midnight eVTOL will cost between $4 and $5 per passenger mile. The long-term goal is to get that down to $1 per passenger mile. In comparison, helicopters cost about $10 per passenger mile.
  • A 10-minute flight from downtown Manhattan to Newark Liberty International Airport is estimated to cost around $100 per passenger.
  • According to company executives, investor materials, and a NASA study, each eVTOL passenger might pay from $2.25 per mile to as much as $11 per mile depending on several unpredictable factors.

It is important to note that Archer still needs to set a final price and faces hurdles, such as building the vertiports necessary for scale use. However, the company aims to make eVTOL flights affordable and accessible, with prices significantly lower than traditional helicopter services.

 

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