Developed by Archer Aviation, the Midnight eVTOL is engineered for efficient, high-frequency operations with minimal turnaround time. Its design prioritizes safety, reliability, and performance, making it well-suited for short-haul passenger transport in urban environments.
Featuring a fixed-wing configuration with distributed electric propulsion, the Midnight is optimized for quiet operation and sustainability, supporting the transition to cleaner urban transportation solutions.
Archer Midnight Design
The Archer Midnight features a vectored-thrust lift+cruise design, incorporating both vertical lift rotors and a fixed wing for efficient forward flight. The aircraft has six tiltrotors mounted on a high wing, with an aerodynamically optimized fuselage for low drag. The rotors transition from vertical to horizontal alignment, enhancing cruise efficiency and reducing noise pollution in urban settings.
The aircraft’s composite airframe ensures a lightweight yet durable structure, supporting increased payload capacity and energy efficiency. Its high-wing configuration and streamlined fuselage contribute to stability and passenger comfort.
Features of the Archer Midnight eVTOL
Seating for Four Passengers + Pilot
Designed for air taxi operations, offering spacious and comfortable seating.
Reduced Turnaround Time
Optimized for quick charging and fast redeployment between flights, allowing up to 40 flights per day.
Low Noise Profile
Designed to operate at approximately 45dB during cruise, significantly quieter than helicopters.
Fixed-Wing Efficiency
Enables a cruising speed of ~130 knots (150mph/241km/h) with improved range over pure multirotor designs.
Distributed Electric Propulsion
Increases safety and redundancy, reducing the risk of single-point failures.
Midnight eVTOL Performance
The Midnight eVTOL is built for urban and regional air mobility, offering a balance of speed, range, and energy efficiency:
- Cruise Speed: ~130 knots (150 mph / 241 km/h)
- Range: ~100 miles (161 km)
- Payload Capacity: ~1,000 lbs (453 kg)
- Turnaround Time: ~10 minutes for charging
- Noise Level: 45dB
The aircraft’s fast-charging lithium-ion battery system supports rapid turnaround, making it ideal for frequent short-haul operations. The battery architecture is optimized for longevity, with a design that balances power output and efficiency.
Capabilities of the Midnight eVTOL
Archer Midnight is designed for urban air taxi operations, corporate transport, and regional air mobility, offering a sustainable alternative to ground-based transportation. Its quiet operation, low operating costs, and zero emissions make it a viable solution for reducing congestion and improving urban mobility.
With regulatory certification underway, Archer aims to integrate Midnight into commercial service by the latter half of the decade, positioning it as a key player in the evolving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem.
