The newest aircraft is now in its VTOL flight test campaign and will work through progressively more advanced test points ahead of a fully piloted transition flight. Archer will continue to expand its piloted Midnight fleet throughout 2026, with several aircraft in various stages of completion, according to a freshly released press communication.
With its growing fleet, Archer is on track for piloted vertical take-off and landing operations as part of the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program later this year. Archer is also on track for piloted VTOL operations in the UAE, where it plans to deliver additional Midnight aircraft.
Archer is targeting its first passenger-carrying flights in 2026.
Compliance
Archer became the first company to achieve 100% FAA acceptance of its eVTOL aircraft’s Means of Compliance.
Means of Compliance is the FAA-agreed-upon criteria by which Archer will demonstrate Midnight meets its airworthiness requirements. Completing the Means of Compliance unlocks Archer’s ability to finalize the acceptance of its remaining certification plans with the FAA.
Archer expects those to be resolved in the coming quarters, clearing the path for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) activities to begin on its Midnight program as soon as this year.
Defense opportunities
Archer’s partnership with Anduril is at the core of its defense strategy, and it continues to expand. The two companies are designing autonomous, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft built for dual use.
In November, Archer announced its first third-party powertrain deal with Anduril and UAE’s EDGE Group to power their Omen autonomous air vehicle—an example of how Archer’s proprietary technologies can be adapted and sold for other applications.
Archer also announced its new UK engineering hub in Bristol. This facility will primarily support Archer’s local collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN, initially focused on their joint work to support uncrewed vehicle programs in the UK, the press note concluded.
