California-based company Archer Aviation has signed a contract with the Air Force to supply up to six electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, colloquially known as flying cars. The deal, valued at up to $142 million, will contribute to the advancement of the AFWERX Agility Prime program for the military.
Key Points:
- Archer Aviation’s contract involves not just delivering its “Midnight” eVTOL aircraft but also sharing flight test data, providing pilot training, and developing maintenance and repair operations.
- The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) supervises the AFWERX Agility Prime program, which aims to push forward the development of eVTOL aircraft in collaboration with the military, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
- The AFRL is based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with local contractors, including Dayton’s Infinity Labs, contributing to the project.
- The National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, designed to foster this technology, has been constructed at the Springfield Beckley Municipal Airport.
- Archer’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, affirmed the agreement indicates the Armed Forces’ commitment to advanced eVTOL technology and its potential applications in transport, logistics, and rescue operations.
