First Build of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Nears Completion

Archer Aviation is targeting completion of its initial conforming Midnight aircraft in Q4 2023, and piloted flight test operations would begin in early 2024 By Joe Macey / 17 Mar 2023
Follow AAMi

Archer Aviation Inc., is nearing completion of the final assembly of its first Midnight, the production aircraft it unveiled last November.

All major aerostructures (wing, tail, fuselage) have been built and mated together and the company has also installed a significant portion of the wiring, electronics, actuators, and other systems.

Archer is currently targeting to begin flight testing of this aircraft in mid-2023. This aircraft will be used to enable company testing in advance of “for credit” certification testing.

The company has also now begun component manufacturing for its conforming Midnight aircraft, which will be flown with a pilot. Archer intends to build at least six of these conforming Midnight aircraft to be used as part of its “for credit” testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in support of Type Certification.

“A lot goes on behind the scenes to advance the development of our aircraft as efficiently as we have. I couldn’t be more excited to share the news of Archer’s progress on Midnight,” said Tom Muniz, Archer’s COO. “This latest milestone is further validation of our strategic approach of using known building blocks to enable realistic innovation significantly de-risking our path to certification and mass manufacturing. The team and I are looking forward to moving this aircraft into flight testing soon and continuing on our path to flying our conforming aircraft in early 2024.”

The company is targeting completion of its initial conforming Midnight aircraft in Q4 2023. In turn, that conforming aircraft would then begin piloted flight test operations in early 2024. These conforming aircraft are set to be built in Archer’s San Jose, California manufacturing facility and integrated test lab, located strategically just around the corner from its headquarters.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

LYNEports Collaborates to Accelerate Sustainable UAM Solutions Worldwide

LYNEports is partnering with Eyrie Aero and ELSA Industry to accelerate worldwide UAM through AI-driven vertiport planning, green hydrogen integration, and scalable eVTOL infrastructure solutions

Jul 11, 2025
Flying Car Owners to Gain Access to New Pilot Training Program

Samson Sky has revealed plans for a pilot training program for Switchblade Flying Car customers and those who just want to earn their 'wings'

Jul 10, 2025
ARC Aerosystems Partnership to Accelerate VTOL Introduction in Japan

AirMobility and ARC Aerosystems have signed an MoU, collaborating to expand ARC’s VTOL aircraft, including the Pegasus 3, and AAM solutions in Japan

Jul 08, 2025
Archer Completes Initial Midnight eVTOL Flight in Abu Dhabi

Archer has launched flight testing of its Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi, advancing certification efforts and preparing for commercial air taxi services in the UAE

Jul 07, 2025
SkyDrive Raises Major Funding to Strengthen eVTOL Certification & Development Efforts

SkyDrive has raised ¥8.3 billion in Pre-Series D funding, led by MUFG Bank and major transport firms, to advance its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft certification

Jul 07, 2025
Skyfly Completes First Airfield-to-Airfield eVTOL Flight in Europe

Skyfly Technologies has completed what is reportedly Europe’s first airfield-to-airfield eVTOL flight using its Axe prototype, flying from Turweston to Bicester and back in a round trip

Jul 04, 2025