Archer Aviation Midnight Model Aims To Become the First Certified eVTOL to Take to the Skies in 2024
Midnight model unveiled by Archer Aviation promises to revolutionize the way we fly when it takes to the skies in 2024. The way we travel today is set to drastically change in the coming decade with the advent of multiple eVTOL platforms being developed by a litany of companies across the world. Archer’s Aviation eVTOL model is an ambitious vision of future air mobility that the company hopes to become the first to certify a fully operational eVTOL in the United States.
Image: Archer Aviation
The company’s 12-rotor flagship named Midnight was unveiled to the media in demonstration flights and is set to receive certification sometime in late 2024. Archer plans to launch 250 of the aircraft in 2025 for commercial purposes as part of the company’s urban air mobility network.
Image: Archer Aviation
Archer along with many other companies are in a race to change commuting in congested urban areas not only in the United States but around the world. Using eVTOL’s that produce zero emissions and are able to fly high above congested highways, travel time in urban and between urban areas would be significantly reduced.
Image: Archer Aviation
The current prototype build for feasibility testing will fly with one pilot and carry four passengers and is fully electric powered by onboard batteries. It has a payload of 1,000 pounds and can fly 20 miles back-to-back trips with 10 minutes charging sessions in between. The aircraft will be able to cruise at 2,000 feet with noise levels on the ground that are 1,000 times quieter than a helicopter.
Image: Archer Aviation
While these aircrafts are appealing from an engineering perspective and the range of benefits they would offer are tremendous, it would still take time to acclimate the public to fly in these drone-like machines. Many would question the safety of these aircrafts in an emergency situation. To address these questions, Archer says that unlike conventional aircraft, eVTOLs posses no single critical point of failure and there is enough redundancy systems built into these aircrafts that would make them exceptionally safe and trouble-free.
Image: Archer Aviation
The eVTOL movement is fast becoming a reality with many agreements being inked between eVTOL startups and major airlines. Archer for example is aiming to acquire the New York City to New Jersey route under a partnership with United Airlines. The competition to acquire the hearts and confidence of commuters will take off once these aircrafts are fully certified and ready to operate commercially. We can anticipate marketing campaigns put forth by multiple companies touting the benefits and safety of this whole new world of eco-conscious transportation.
