Archer gets Air Force contracts worth up to $142M

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company Archer Aviation Inc. has significantly expanded its partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) by signing new contracts with the U.S. Air Force with a total value of up to $142 million. The new contracts signal the U.S. military's recognition of the transformative potential Archer’s innovative eVTOL aircraft brings to our country’s armed forces. This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to six of Archer’s Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, the sharing of additional flight test data and certification related test reports, pilot training, and the development of maintenance and repair operations.

Archer has been partnering with the DOD since 2021 on a series of projects through the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DOD purposes. Now, with Archer recently completing the manufacturing of its first Midnight aircraft, the DOD recognizes its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, target payload of approximately 1,000 lb, proprietary electric powertrain system, and low noise profile. These aircraft hold the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility, and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles, from personnel transport and logistics support to rescue operations and more. Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate, and maintain in the field.

Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said, “We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics, and rescue operations.”

“It is our mission to ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology,” said Col. Tom Meagher, the lead for AFWERX Agility Prime programs. “eVTOL aircraft represent the cusp of the third revolution in aerospace, and these aircraft and their descendants will drive advances in capabilities and efficiency.”

Retired 4-star general and Archer Government Services Advisory Board Member, Steve Townsend, said, “The United States has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this partnership demonstrates our nation’s commitment to maintain that position.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Archer announcing the formation of the company’s Government Services Advisory Board in May. The goal of the advisory board is to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore opportunities to commercialize its eVTOL aircraft. The members of this advisory board are assisting and facilitating Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft and related technologies. The board includes Townsend, Retired 3-star Lt Gen David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Adm Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star Gen Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star Gen Bill Gayler, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.