The United States Air Force has officially taken delivery of a revolutionary electric aircraft. And it’s made by a publicly traded company.
What’s happening:
- Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has made the first ever delivery of their Midnight aircraft to the United States Air Force as part of their existing AFWERX Agility Prime contract
Why it matters:
- Archer Aviation has been a first mover in electric takeoff and landing aircraft and is now beginning to ramp up meaningful commercial partnerships around their technology for electric airplanes
- Archer Aviation has multiple notable backers, including two of the largest airline companies in the world Boeing and United Airlines
By the numbers:
- Archer Aviation's deal with the United States Air Force is worth up to $142M USD
- The Midnight aircraft is optimized to be able to fly back-to-back flights of distances between 20-50 miles with very minimal charging time required
- The Midnight aircraft has the ability to hit maximum speeds of 150 miles per hour
Going deeper:
- The delivery of the Midnight aircraft to the United States Air Force will enable official testing of the electric aircraft for military purposes, including medical evacuations, surveillance and cargo flights
- Archer Aviation also recently partnered with Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) to build out the first network of regional airports for electric takeoff and landing aircraft
- Archer Aviation has also been making moves to expand electric takeoff and landing aircraft into the Middle East, previously announcing a partnership with Air Chateau to bring their airplanes to Dubai
