Archer receives first instalment from US Air Force contracts

Archer has got the first instalment worth nearly $1m from its recently announced contracts with the US Air Force (USAF).

With a total value of up to $142m across the contracts, the first payment covers delivery of mobile flight simulator which the USAF and Archer will use to train pilots and better understand use cases. The simulator will also be deployed to some public and industry events to increase awareness and engagement with eVTOL technology, said Archer. 

Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO and founder, said: “Archer’s eVTOL technology can help maintain the United States’ position as a global leader in aviation. To see our historic contract with the USAF move from signature to execution at a rapid pace is a reflection of the strong commitment that the US Department of Defense has made to securing our country’s future by investing in transformational technology.”

A number of other deliverables are underway with the US Air Force as part of the contracts, including the sharing of wind tunnel testing reports, project specific certification plans and subject specific certification plans. 

Archer signed the contracts with the US Department of Defense (DoD) back in July, including delivery of six Midnight aircraft. At the time, the USAF said eVTOL aircraft can improve rapid response, agility and operational effectiveness across mission types like personnel transport, logistics support and rescue operations. 

“It is our mission to ensure the US continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology,” said Colonel 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. Our contracts with Archer Aviation provide the DoD and USAF the opportunity to play a role in ensuring from the onset, and as the technology evolves, that we unlock the many benefits these aircraft have to offer the US military.”

Archer’s vice president of Data Science, Jon Petersen spoke at our event last month in San Francisco, watch the full session back.