Archer Aviation Unveils 2-Seater Electric Aircraft

Archer Aviation's Demonstration Aircraft: A Step Towards eVTOL Operations

The aircraft presented to the public on Thursday represents a crucial development stage, though it isn't the final design intended for commercial service projected in 2024. Archer’s Head of Certification, Eric Wright, explained to TechCrunch that utilizing an autonomous vehicle initially streamlines the testing procedures.

A Testbed for Certification

Wright clarified that the two-seater Maker aircraft functions as a vital stepping stone in the certification pathway. He described it as a “testbed” instrumental in expanding the company’s understanding of key systems, including flight controls and electric propulsion, which will be incorporated into the certified aircraft.

Furthermore, this process allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to build confidence in the design as it undergoes rigorous evaluation, with the FAA actively observing this development.

Shared Design Elements

Both the Maker aircraft and the forthcoming five-seater model share core specifications. Notably, both designs incorporate a “tilt-rotor” system. This means six of the aircraft’s twelve rotors are capable of altering their position.

This tilting functionality enables vertical takeoff and landing, similar to a helicopter, alongside forward flight capabilities akin to a conventional airplane.

Safety and Range Considerations

For enhanced safety, both aircraft are equipped with six independent battery packs. This redundancy ensures continued operation even if one battery system experiences a failure. These batteries provide a range of 60 miles at a cruising speed of 150 miles per hour.

The two-seater boasts a 40-foot wingspan and a weight of approximately 3,300 pounds, while the larger aircraft is anticipated to have a greater overall weight, according to Wright.

Noise Reduction and Public Acceptance

Archer anticipates the Maker aircraft will generate a sound level of only 45 decibels when measured from 2,000 feet. This noise specification is particularly significant for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) companies aiming to establish air taxi services.

Widespread acceptance, from both the public and regulatory bodies, will likely depend on the aircraft’s ability to operate quietly.

Recent Developments and Legal Challenges

Archer has been progressively releasing details about the Maker aircraft in recent months, including high-resolution renderings following a $1 billion order from United Airlines. The release of these renderings, however, led to a lawsuit filed by Wisk Aero, alleging trade secret misappropriation.

Thursday’s event marked the first public viewing of a physical aircraft from the startup, currently valued at $3.8 billion.

The Benefits of Autonomous Testing

When questioned about the autonomous nature of the debut aircraft, Wright explained that it accelerates the testing and validation process. “By utilizing an autonomous vehicle, testing can be conducted more rapidly, without requiring a pilot to actively fly the aircraft,” Wright stated.

This allows for quicker and more efficient analysis of the aircraft’s response to inputs from an autonomous control system.

Long-Term Vision: Autonomy in Air Mobility

While fully autonomous air taxis are still some years away, Archer, like other eVTOL developers, envisions autonomy as a key component of its long-term strategy, extending beyond the certification process to operational aircraft.

Archer CEO Brett Adcock emphasized that piloted operations are essential for initial market entry, achieving airspace access, and obtaining certification. However, he believes that transitioning to autonomous airspace is crucial for enhancing safety for both passengers and the overall network as the industry expands.

Future Plans and Infrastructure Development

The three-year-old startup plans to initiate commercial operations in 2024, starting in Los Angeles and Miami. Archer’s system simulation team is employing a simulation tool called Prime Radiant to determine optimal locations for its vertiports.

This team is led by Jon Petersen, formerly the head of data science at Uber Elevate, Uber’s air mobility division, which was later sold to Joby Aviation in December 2020.

Collaboration and Manufacturing Scale-Up

Adcock also revealed that the company is in discussions with ride-sharing companies to integrate first- and last-mile transportation solutions with the air taxi routes.

Archer is collaborating with automaker Stellantis on the development of two manufacturing facilities: one designed for traditional aerospace production volumes of hundreds of aircraft annually, and a future facility capable of significantly higher output.

Adam Goldstein, co-founder of Archer, noted the similarities between Archer’s manufacturing needs and those of an automotive manufacturer, highlighting the use of lightweight carbon fiber, electric motors, and batteries – components commonly found in automobiles.