Archer Completes Installation Of High-Volume Battery Pack Manufacturing Line

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer has completed the installation of a high-volume battery pack manufacturing line that can produce up to 15,000 battery packs per year. The facility will support the ramp of Archer's aircraft production and has applied automation to ensure quality, safety, and data traceability. The battery pack recently passed rigorous testing, demonstrating safety and durability for FAA certification. Archer aims to revolutionize urban travel with electric air taxi flights.

Positive

• Archer has successfully completed the installation of a high-volume battery pack manufacturing line that can produce up to 15,000 battery packs per year.
• The facility will support the aircraft production ramp and has applied automation to enhance quality, safety, and data traceability.
• Archer's battery pack passed rigorous testing, ensuring safety and durability for FAA certification.
• Archer's goal of transforming urban travel with electric air taxi flights shows promise and innovation in the aviation industry.

Negative

• None.

• Archer’s battery pack manufacturing team has installed an “automotive style” line that is designed for high-volume production from day one with the capability of producing up to 15,000 battery packs per year
• This facility will produce the proprietary battery packs needed to support the ramp of Archer’s aircraft production at its high-volume aircraft manufacturing facility in Covington, GA which remains on track to be completed later this year
• Archer has applied automation to the key areas of its battery pack manufacturing process that impact quality, operator safety, and data traceability, including cell test and load, adhesive dispensing, laser cleaning, laser welding, and end of line testing
• This news comes on the heels of Archer announcing that its battery pack recently successfully completed rigorous testing with multiple 50 foot drop tests simulating extreme impact scenarios, which are some of the most challenging tests Archer will face as part of the FAA’s Type Certification Program

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced it has completed the build out of its high-volume battery pack manufacturing line. This facility is housed at Archer’s Integrated Test Lab and Manufacturing Facilities in San Jose, CA and will have the throughput necessary to support the planned high volume aircraft production ramp at Archer’s manufacturing facility in Georgia that remains on track to be completed later this year.

Archer’s recently completed high-volume battery pack manufacturing line in San Jose, CA (Photo: Business Wire)

The battery pack manufacturing line was built to be an “automotive style” line that is designed for high-volume production from day one with the final phase of the facility set to be capable of producing up to 15,000 battery packs per year. Archer has applied automation in key areas of the battery pack manufacturing process to improve quality, operator safety and data traceability. This includes cell test and load, adhesive dispensing, laser cleaning, laser welding and end of line testing.

“This is a major milestone for Archer as designing, developing, and mass producing electric propulsion systems that are purpose built for electric aircraft is the key to unlocking the electrification of aviation,” said Tom Muniz, Archer CTO. “The facility will give us the capability to scale our battery pack production to meet the demands of the output that our Covington, Georgia facility will be capable of.”

Archer chose to vertically integrate its design and manufacturing of the battery pack itself to ensure it meets the rigorous levels of safety, performance and reliability necessary for its aviation use case. Archer’s battery pack implements a proprietary and robust thermal runaway containment strategy. The battery packs use cylindrical cells as those, relative to other cell form factors, have a track record of safety, performance and scalability. Archer’s battery pack recently successfully completed multiple drop tests, which are some of the most challenging tests Archer will face as part of the FAA’s Type Certification program, further validating the safety and durability of the pack’s proprietary design.

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer’s business plans and expectations, including statements regarding its aircraft performance and the timing of Archer’s development, commercialization, certification and manufacturing of its eVTOL aircraft. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, available at www.sec.gov. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

Source: Archer
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508510088/en/

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Source: Archer Aviation

FAQ

What is the purpose of Archer's recently completed high-volume battery pack manufacturing line?

The battery pack manufacturing line is designed for high-volume production of up to 15,000 battery packs per year to support Archer's aircraft production ramp.

Where is Archer's battery pack manufacturing line located?

Archer's battery pack manufacturing line is located at the Integrated Test Lab and Manufacturing Facilities in San Jose, CA.

How has Archer applied automation in its battery pack manufacturing process?

Archer has applied automation in key areas such as cell test and load, adhesive dispensing, laser cleaning, laser welding, and end of line testing to enhance quality, safety, and data traceability.

What recent testing has Archer's battery pack successfully completed?

Archer's battery pack successfully completed rigorous testing, including multiple drop tests, simulating extreme impact scenarios for FAA certification.

What is the goal of Archer in transforming urban travel?

Archer aims to revolutionize urban travel by replacing long car commutes with short electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation.