Archer Surpasses 400 Test Flights This Year, Achieving Company Milestone Four Months Ahead Of Schedule

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation has surpassed its 2024 goal of 400 test flights four months ahead of schedule, completing 402 flights in the past eight months. This milestone is important as the company prepares for FAA-credited flight testing. The tests focus on five key areas: transition flights, high-rate operations, landing profiles, acoustic measurement, and control law optimization.

CEO Adam Goldstein expressed pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the importance of the data collected for evaluating and refining the aircraft's performance. This accomplishment follows recent developments with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and the U.S. Air Force, as well as Archer's certification to operate as a commercial airline.

Positive

• Achieved 402 test flights, surpassing the 2024 goal of 400 flights four months early
• Progressing towards FAA-credited flight testing
• Expanding testing in five critical areas: transition flights, high-rate operations, landing profiles, acoustic measurement, and control law optimization
• Recent partnerships with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines
• Obtained certification to operate as a commercial airline
• Delivered first aircraft to the United States Air Force

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aerospace Engineer

The achievement of 402 test flights well ahead of schedule is a significant milestone for Archer Aviation. This accelerated pace demonstrates the company's operational efficiency and technological readiness. The focus on five key testing areas shows a comprehensive approach to aircraft development, particularly noteworthy are the transition flights and high-rate operations. These tests are important for validating the aircraft's performance in real-world conditions and its readiness for commercial operations.

The emphasis on acoustic measurement and control law optimization indicates Archer's commitment to addressing two critical aspects of eVTOL technology: noise reduction and energy efficiency. These factors are essential for urban air mobility acceptance and operational viability. Overall, this progress positions Archer favorably in the competitive eVTOL market, potentially accelerating their path to commercialization and FAA certification.

Aviation Industry Analyst

Archer's rapid progress in flight testing is a positive indicator for the emerging eVTOL industry. Completing 400+ flights four months ahead of schedule not only demonstrates Archer's operational capabilities but also signals potential acceleration in the broader Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market. The company's focus on high-rate operations and advancing landing profiles directly addresses key challenges in scaling eVTOL services for commercial use.

The recent developments with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, coupled with certification for commercial airline operations and delivery to the U.S. Air Force, underscore Archer's growing industry credibility. These partnerships and milestones could provide Archer with a significant competitive advantage, potentially leading to faster market entry and adoption. Investors should note that while progress is impressive, the eVTOL market still faces regulatory and infrastructure challenges that could impact timelines for full-scale commercial operations.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Archer Aviation announced that it has completed 402 test flights so far this year, surpassing the 400 test flight goal it set for 2024 approximately four months ahead of schedule.

Today Archer Aviation announced that it has completed 402 test flights so far this year, surpassing the 400 test flight goal it set for 2024 approximately four months ahead of schedule. (Photo: Business Wire)

The 400 plus flights were conducted over the last eight months as the company ramps flight test operations in advance of for-credit flight testing with the FAA.

Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer said, “When we first set our goal for 400 flights this year it was viewed as aggressive, but here we are in August already knocking it out. I’m proud of the Archer flight test team and the supporting groups that made it happen.”

Each flight produces critical data that Archer’s teams use to evaluate and refine aircraft loads, vibrations, performance and handling qualities.

Most recently, the Archer flight test team has focused on five key testing areas:

• Transition Flights: Continuing to conduct longer-distance and higher-speed transition flights to gather data, extend endurance and ensure maximum safety.
• High-Rate Operations: Increasing per-day flights to simulate the high cadence of Archer’s anticipated commercial operations and test Midnight’s durability.
• Advancing Landing Profiles: Completing a series of hover landings in various wind conditions with different rates of descent and flare heights to expand Midnight’s wind envelope and further optimize its landing profile.
• Enhancing Acoustic Measurement: Conducting a series of hover operations with various microphone arrays to collect supplemental data for the FAA and to further evaluate and tune Midnight’s noise signature.
• Optimizing Control Laws: Regressing through the envelope with a series of optimizations made to the control laws which will extend Midnight’s endurance.

This announcement follows Archer’s planned network in Los Angeles and its recently announced developments with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. It also follows major milestones, such as certification to begin operating as a commercial airline and the recent delivery of Archer’s first aircraft to the United States Air Force.

About Archer

Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. We are designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution. Our goal is for our proprietary technology to deliver unprecedented connectivity to the people and places across the most congested cities in the world. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer’s future business plans and goals. 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/20240903108793/en/

Archer Media Contacts

The Brand Amp - Archer@TheBrandAmp.com

Source: Archer Aviation

FAQ

How many test flights has Archer Aviation completed in 2024?

Archer Aviation has completed 402 test flights so far in 2024, surpassing their goal of 400 flights approximately four months ahead of schedule.

What are the five key testing areas Archer is focusing on for their Midnight aircraft (ACHR)?

Archer is focusing on five key testing areas for their Midnight aircraft: transition flights, high-rate operations, advancing landing profiles, enhancing acoustic measurement, and optimizing control laws.

What recent partnerships has Archer Aviation (ACHR) announced?

Archer Aviation has recently announced developments with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, as well as delivering their first aircraft to the United States Air Force.

Has Archer Aviation (ACHR) received certification to operate as a commercial airline?

Yes, Archer Aviation has received certification to begin operating as a commercial airline, as mentioned in the press release.