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Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has launched the next stage of its Midnight aircraft flight test program, introducing piloted flights to showcase its capabilities.
This milestone follows years of successful autonomous testing across Archer’s aircraft platforms, validating its innovative 12 tilt-6 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design.
During recent tests, Midnight reached speeds of up to 125 mph and climbed over 1,500 feet above ground level, demonstrating its robust performance.
Midnight Piloted Flight Tests
The recent flight highlighted Midnight’s ability to perform both conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) and VTOL operations.
The aircraft’s landing gear proved reliable, supporting both configurations smoothly. This dual capability is a key feature, offering operational flexibility and enhanced safety.
Archer, along with government regulators and its civil and defense customers, recognizes the value of CTOL and VTOL in enabling the aircraft to adapt to diverse operational needs.
In this phase, Archer’s test pilots will focus on evaluating critical aspects of Midnight’s performance. They will assess flight control responsiveness, stability, and aerodynamic accuracy.
Additionally, the team will collect data to validate control models, supporting the aircraft’s certification and commercialization in the U.S. and UAE. These efforts are crucial steps toward bringing Midnight to market as a safe, efficient air mobility solution.
Leadership Comments
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO and founder, explained the significance of the recent flight achievements. “Midnight’s performance underscores the strength of our design choices,” he said.
“Its VTOL and CTOL capabilities set it apart, enabling integration into various operational environments while prioritizing safety. This flexibility is a game-changer for urban air mobility.”
Leading the piloted tests is Archer’s Chief Test Pilot, Jeff Greenwood, who joined the company in 2021. Greenwood’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping Midnight’s cockpit design, including the selection of advanced displays and equipment.
Before Archer, he served as a test pilot at Bell Textron, contributing to the development and certification of cutting-edge rotorcraft.
A former U.S. Marine Corps pilot with 13 years of service, Greenwood graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where he honed his test piloting skills.
Reflecting on the flight, Greenwood shared, “Flying Midnight felt exactly like the simulator—everything responded as expected, which is the goal of any test flight. This consistency reflects our team’s engineering precision and commitment to safety.”
His comments highlight the rigorous preparation and attention to detail that define Archer’s approach.
Conclusion
As Archer Aviation continues to refine Midnight’s capabilities, this phase marks a significant step toward revolutionizing urban air mobility.
With its innovative design and dual take-off capabilities, Midnight is poised to redefine how people and goods move in cities, offering a safer, more flexible solution.
