Archer Successfully Completes Multiple Battery Pack Drop Tests; One of the Most Challenging Tests It Is Set to Face as Part of the FAA’s Type Certification Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation Inc. achieves a significant milestone with successful battery pack drop tests for its Midnight aircraft, positioning the company well for upcoming FAA testing. The tests, conducted at a National Institute for Aviation Research lab, demonstrated the safety and durability of Archer's proprietary battery pack design.

Insights

Aerospace Engineer

The successful completion of battery pack drop tests by Archer Aviation represents a noteworthy achievement in the eVTOL industry, particularly for its Midnight aircraft program. The ability of the battery packs to withstand drops from 50 feet at various states of charge without failure is indicative of robust design and engineering. This is important for eVTOL applications where safety and reliability are paramount, given the potential for extreme operational conditions. The use of cylindrical cells within the battery packs might offer advantages in terms of structural integrity and energy density, which are vital for the aircraft's performance and range capabilities. It's also worth noting that these tests serve as precursors to FAA certification, a stringent process that ensures the airworthiness of aircraft systems. Archer's progress bodes well for the future of urban air mobility, potentially leading to reduced urban congestion and a new era of short-range aviation.

Safety Analyst

From a safety perspective, the successful drop tests of Archer's battery packs are a testament to the company's commitment to exceeding aviation safety standards. The ability of the batteries to remain functional after such extreme impact scenarios provides confidence in the safety protocols and design resilience. This is especially significant in the context of eVTOL aircraft, which will operate in densely populated urban environments and thus require a higher level of safety assurance. The fact that these tests are being conducted at a National Institute for Aviation Research lab adds a layer of credibility to the results. As Archer moves closer to FAA certification, the focus on safety will likely be a key factor in public acceptance and regulatory approval of eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility solutions.

Market Analyst

Archer Aviation's recent announcement about the successful battery pack drop tests could have positive implications for the company's market position. Achieving this milestone not only brings Archer closer to FAA certification but also strengthens its credibility as a serious contender in the eVTOL market. This could potentially attract investors interested in the burgeoning urban air mobility sector. Moreover, the company's goal to provide a sustainable and time-efficient alternative to traditional urban commuting aligns with growing environmental and societal trends. If Archer can maintain its developmental momentum and eventually deliver a commercially viable product, it could capture a significant share of the urban transportation market, potentially disrupting the current dynamics of urban travel and creating new economic opportunities.

• Archer's recent successful battery pack drop tests signify a major milestone for Midnight’s program putting Archer in a strong position to pass this same test in upcoming for-credit testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”)
• Midnight’s battery packs were dropped from 50 feet at 100%, 30% and 0% state of charge at a National Institute for Aviation Research (“NIAR”) lab to simulate extreme impact scenarios
• Not only did the batteries pass the test, they remarkably still functioned properly after each drop validating the safety and durability of Archer’s proprietary battery pack design

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc., a leader in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, today announced the successful completion of rigorous battery pack drop testing conducted at a National Institute for Aviation Research lab. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the company’s proprietary electric propulsion system for its Midnight aircraft in what is seen as one of the most difficult tests to pass for an eVTOL aircraft, putting Archer in a strong position to successfully complete this same test in upcoming for-credit testing with the FAA.

Over the course of this week, Archer’s engineering and certification teams led Midnight’s proprietary battery packs through three 50-foot drop tests simulating extreme impact scenarios. Tested at varying states of charge, 0%, 30%, and 100%, the battery packs withstood the impact without any signs of failure and, remarkably, continued to function properly.

This test is renowned within the electric aviation industry as one of the most challenging barriers to certification, designed to ensure battery packs can safely endure significant impact. A pivotal factor in the success of these tests is Archer’s choice to utilize cylindrical cells within Archer’s battery proprietary battery pack design.

"Successfully passing the battery pack drop tests marks a pivotal moment that paves the way for future ‘for credit’ certification testing with the FAA," said Alex Clarabut, Archer's Battery Lead. "This accomplishment highlights our dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding safety standards. It is a critical step towards our goal of ensuring that Midnight will be among the safest aircraft in the skies. It's a testament to our team's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, and we’re thrilled with the results that the battery packs not only passed the test, but still functioned properly afterward."

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 battery pack and aircraft performance and the timing of Archer’s development, commercialization, and certification 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/20240328388208/en/

Archer Media Contacts

The Brand Amp - Archer@TheBrandAmp.com

Source: Archer Aviation

FAQ

What milestone did Archer Aviation achieve with the recent battery pack drop tests?

Archer Aviation achieved a significant milestone with successful battery pack drop tests for its Midnight aircraft.

Where were the battery pack drop tests conducted?

The battery pack drop tests were conducted at a National Institute for Aviation Research lab.

What were the different states of charge at which the battery packs were tested during the drop tests?

The battery packs were tested at 0%, 30%, and 100% state of charge during the drop tests.

What is the goal of Archer's Midnight aircraft?

The goal of Archer's Midnight aircraft is to transform urban travel with electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise, and cost-competitive with ground transportation.

Who led Midnight's proprietary battery packs through the drop tests?

Archer's engineering and certification teams led Midnight's proprietary battery packs through the drop tests.