Archer Successfully Completes Second Phase of Maker Flight Testing, Moves on to Third Phase Towards Full Transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has successfully completed the second phase of its flight test campaign for the Maker aircraft, demonstrating robust takeoff and landing capabilities. The critical azimuth tests validated the aircraft's crosswind capabilities, achieving flight at speeds up to 15 knots in various directions. The campaign is now shifting towards increasing forward flight speeds, with expectations to reach full transition by year-end. CEO Adam Goldstein emphasizes the milestone's significance for the company's vision of eVTOL air travel.

Positive

• Successful completion of the second flight test phase indicates strong progress in aircraft development.
• Validation of crosswind capabilities enhances the aircraft's operational potential.
• Shifting focus to forward flight speeds signals advancement towards full transition flight by year-end.

Negative

• None.

• Archer completes the second of three key flight test phases, demonstrating takeoff and landing robustness of its Maker aircraft.
• Data from the “critical azimuth” tests validates the crosswind capabilities of the aircraft configuration and flight control system.
• After flying up to 15 knots in all directions, the flight test campaign is now shifting quickly to expanding forward flight speed towards full transition.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced that it has successfully completed all of its “critical azimuth” flight tests, marking the completion of the second of three key phases of flight testing. The purpose of these tests are to validate the crosswind capabilities of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft configuration and flight control systems. The company has now successfully flown Maker at increasing speeds of up to 15 knots, in various directions and attitudes.

Archer's Maker demonstrator aircraft in flight. (Photo: Business Wire)

Maker completed its first hover test flight in December of last year. Following extensive ground testing, and the addition of Archer’s new tilt propeller system, the aircraft returned to flight testing earlier this year and has been flying almost daily of late, allowing the Archer Flight Test Team to evaluate incremental speed increases and complex maneuvers while in hover. The culmination of these tests also demonstrated the robustness of the aircraft’s takeoff and landing capabilities.

Archer’s flight test campaign has been designed to carefully evaluate the company’s systems and technology. The rapid progress made by the company with Maker has allowed the validation of a number of technologies for Archer’s production aircraft. Having successfully validated various systems through this second phase of flight testing, Archer is now shifting into the third phase of its program during which it will evaluate the aircraft’s performance at increasing forward speeds. At the current rate of progress, the company continues to anticipate expanding to full transition flight by the end of the year.

“Every flight test we conduct provides us with a treasure trove of data, validating our design and rapidly propelling us towards our vision for eVTOL air travel,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO. “This latest milestone is truly exciting and not only reinforces the capabilities of our aircraft design, but of our highly innovative team. We’re excited to share more updates as we move the campaign even further forward in the coming months.”

About Archer

Archer’s mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world's cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA.

To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Source: Archer
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220728005621/en/

For Media

Louise Bristow

louise.bristow@archer.com

For Investors

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Source: Archer Aviation Inc.

FAQ

What milestone has Archer Aviation achieved in its flight testing?

Archer Aviation has completed the second phase of its flight testing for the Maker aircraft, validating its takeoff, landing, and crosswind capabilities.

What is the next step for Archer Aviation's Maker aircraft testing?

The next step involves increasing forward flight speeds, with the goal of achieving full transition flight by the end of the year.

How fast has the Maker aircraft flown during tests?

During the flight tests, the Maker aircraft has achieved speeds of up to 15 knots in various directions.

What does the successful testing phase indicate for Archer Aviation's future?

The successful testing phase suggests significant advancement toward Archer's goal of establishing eVTOL air travel and building operational aircraft.