Archer Takes to the Skies with First Hover Flight of Maker Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has achieved a major milestone with the successful hover flight of its Maker eVTOL aircraft, marking FAA airworthiness certification. The flight took place on December 16 at 10:30 AM PT, validating all systems for flight. In the upcoming months, Archer will expand its flight test campaign to include hover and transition envelope expansions. The goal is to establish a scalable aerial ridesharing service by late 2024. This achievement coincides with the anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight, symbolizing a significant step in urban air mobility.

Positive

• Successful hover flight of Maker eVTOL aircraft achieved FAA airworthiness certification.
• Completion of systems test and validation for flight readiness.
• Plans for extensive flight testing and ultimate aerial ridesharing service rollout in late 2024.

Negative

• None.

Six months after unveiling its Maker eVTOL aircraft, Archer has achieved both FAA airworthiness certification and its first successful hover flight

• The successful hover flight saw Maker accelerating off the ground and hovering in place before returning to the ground safely
• Maker aircraft is an autonomous two-seater eVTOL aircraft that has been certified for flight testing by the FAA
• In the coming months, Archer’s flight test campaign will broaden to include hover envelope expansion, followed by transition envelope expansion

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced that Maker, Archer’s eVTOL demonstrator aircraft, completed its first successful hover flight. The flight marks the completion of the company’s first full and complete systems test and validation of every hardware and software component working as intended to move the aircraft into the air. The flight test was completed at 10:30 am PT on 16 December and also resulted in the successful checkout of the company’s flight control system in flight and the end-to-end close of flight software. Now that flight has been achieved, Archer will move forward with an ongoing extensive flight test campaign into 2022 and beyond.

In November, Archer’s dedicated flight test team, consisting of experts in flight test, battery, propulsion, flight controls, software and avionics, moved from the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto to a new flight test facility to prepare for this important milestone. Over the past two months, the team has been laser-focused on Maker’s integration and ground testing in order to prepare Maker for a successful first hover flight, as well as ensuring it meets the FAA's standards for airworthiness certification. After being fully integrated, Maker moved into its ground testing phase, which included verification of the control and propulsion systems, along with driving the motors at full power, and then putting those motors through stress testing to ensure all systems were operational and ready to withstand flight testing. After completing an untethered test, during which the Archer team verified that the entire propulsion and flight control system was functioning correctly, Archer’s flight test team approved the aircraft for its first flight.

The moment was particularly significant in aviation history as this week marks the 118th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903 - the moment where humanity officially took to the skies for the very first time. Eric Wright, a descendant of Orville and Wilbur, and Archer’s own head of certification, placed a historic piece of the Wright Flyer in Maker for its inaugural flight to mark the full circle moment.

"The past six months has been an incredible journey, from unveiling Maker to watching it take its first flight," said Brett Adcock, Archer co-founder and co-CEO. "It's been humbling to build a leading eVTOL company and educate the public on clean transportation alternatives. Today is a milestone for both Archer and the future of travel. I'm extremely proud of this exceptional team."

“Everything we’ve accomplished this year, every milestone hit and partnership struck, was all with one goal in mind: developing both an aircraft and a UAM ecosystem that could scale and change the face of intra-city travel,” shared Adam Goldstein, Archer co-founder and co-CEO. “With our first hover flight now completed, we’re one major step closer to that goal and have proven that Archer can work at a fast pace without sacrificing safety or quality. Our team stands ready to continue that pace as we work toward launching an aerial ridesharing service in late 2024.”

As Archer flies into the new year, this testing campaign will broaden to include hover envelope expansion, advancing Maker’s design capabilities and reaching higher altitudes. Following the hover expansion, the team will begin the transition envelope expansion ensuring Maker is able to move from hover to forward flight. While expanding Maker's test flights, Archer also plans to unveil its piloted, four-seat production-intent aircraft in 2023.

“As an early investor in Archer, it’s been rewarding to watch Archer grow as a company and really help shape the industry. What began as a mission-driven company to change how we think of daily transportation, has today proven that passion and mission can yield incredible results,” added Marc Lore, renowned entrepreneur and first investor in Archer. “I congratulate the whole team on today’s first hover flight accomplishment and look forward to seeing the way Archer’s unique mode of transportation shapes our cities of tomorrow.”

For continued updates visit www.archer.com and follow along on social media.

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 Palo Alto, CA. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Source: Archer
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211220005243/en/

For Media

Louise Bristow

Archer

louise.bristow@archer.com

archer@launchsquad.com

For Investors

investors@archer.com

Source: Archer Aviation Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Archer Aviation's recent hover flight?

The hover flight of Archer's Maker eVTOL aircraft marks its successful FAA airworthiness certification and validates the aircraft's systems for future flight testing.

When did Archer Aviation achieve its first hover flight?

Archer Aviation completed its first successful hover flight on December 16 at 10:30 AM PT.

What are the next steps for Archer Aviation after the hover flight?

Archer plans to expand its flight test campaign to include hover and transition envelope expansions.

What is the timeline for Archer Aviation's aerial ridesharing service?

Archer aims to launch its aerial ridesharing service in late 2024.

How does the hover flight relate to aviation history?

The hover flight coincides with the 118th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight, marking a significant moment in aviation history.