ASIM, aug 15
Archer Aviation Inc. has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) under its AFWERX Agility Prime contract, valued at up to $142M. The delivery follows the Department of Defense’s acceptance of Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment, allowing AFWERX to begin flight testing and explore military-specific missions. The USAF and Archer teams conducted simulated missions, including medical evacuation, cargo transport, and intelligence flights, at Salinas to assess the aircraft’s capabilities in real-world scenarios.
With its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, proprietary electric powertrain, and low noise profile, the Midnight aircraft is seen as a game-changer for military aviation. Archer’s CEO, Adam Goldstein, and AFWERX Director Col Elliott Leigh emphasized the potential of the Midnight to enhance operational effectiveness, offering a quieter, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional combustion-engine aircraft. The Midnight aims to improve rapid response and agility across various military missions.
