TRANSITION FLIGHT | Midnight has completed transition flight at a speed of 100+ MPH – taking off vertically, accelerating until it transitions from thrust-borne to wing-borne flight, cruising on the wing and then landing again vertically. Here are the key highlights from this milestone: ✈️ At ~6,500 lbs, Midnight is believed to be one of the largest eVTOL aircraft to complete transition, which is critical to being able to carry commercially viable passenger payloads 2️⃣ Archer has now achieved transition with two different full-scale eVTOL aircraft which is well known in the industry as a very difficult milestone few companies have reached 💨 Midnight’s flight test program will now continue its progress with plans to fly simulated commercial routes to demonstrate the aircraft’s operational readiness, executing high-rate flight operations, testing additional flight maneuvers that will be used in commercial settings along with continuing to expand its speed and endurance flight envelope Watch the full, uncut video of the flight here: https://lnkd.in/gUVWu2QQ Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g7PjbkHQ
COLIN TURNER
1mo
Impressive smooth transition from Vtol to normal flight. Evtol slowly but steadily moving from R&D to commercial reality. The next challange will be commercial viability of the platforms.
Patrick Gray
4d
Marcelo Lavrador Well... how much does it cost? How much does it cost to operate it? Where is it going to get permission for take-off and landing other than at an airport? When it is on VTOL near the ground, does the downdraft create enough wind borne "push" to blow objects in a dangerous manner into the eyes of anyone near it? Threatening other (non-passengers) peoples' eyes, is that considered a problem? Do those electric motors on the props emit RF? If they emit RF, doesn't that make this device useless for military use? Who will fly in it? Do you know any young (also, of course, rich) young mothers with their precious toddlers that would get on this flying device when there is no trained pilot also on board? But otherwise, congratulations they got something to fly, yay. I discuss a different approach to this type of flying device in some of my YouTubes. pg
Outstanding milestone, Adam Goldstein and amazing work by the entire team Archer 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 With this achievement and a focus on the following areas, the eVTOL industry can establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth and integration into future urban and regional mobility. 1. Partnerships:Collaborate with aerospace firms, urban mobility providers, and research institutions for expertise and integration. 2. Government and Regulation:Engage with regulators to create standards, safety regulation, secure incentives, and integrate eVTOLs into urban planning. 3. Technology Development:Invest in advanced batteries, autonomous systems, and noise reduction technologies. 4. Infrastructure:Develop a network of vertiports, charging stations, and specialized maintenance facilities. 5. Public Acceptance:Educate the public and engage communities to build trust and address concerns. 6. Sustainability:Implement eco-friendly manufacturing and lifecycle management for sustainability.
Mike A.
1mo
Watched this video, an impressive accomplishment. With all the eVTOL companies out there, only a few have actually proven this critical phase of operation. Question for the engineering people, the Eve design with rotors and rear propeller seems to make the transition from vertical to cruise flight a simpler and faster process. How much benefit do tilt-rotors provide to compensate for the added complexity?
Great work guys. It looks like the Yaw torque is quite low, strong gusty side winds on those large tail fins will be quite challenging. What's the max side winds it can hold?
Really impressive achievement - congrats to the Archer team. Love the subtle Blade Runner reference with the Coca Cola signage there in the background during hover ;-)
Congratulations! Archer is flying and expected to hit the market in the Emirates by 2025, according to press reports. A unique achievement, though the drawbacks of fully electric eVTOL shouldn't be underestimated. They are quite sluggish in the air compared to helicopters, which remain the best VTOLs—and likely will continue to be.
FedEx Feeder Pilot
1moThis aircraft is heavier than many single engine and some multi engine General aviation light aircraft. Didn’t realize these aircraft weighed in at those weights.