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Archer's Midnight Flies 55 Miles in 31 Minutes in Longest Piloted Flight Yet

Archer says the milestone strengthens its case for FAA certification.

Overview

  • The 31-minute mission used conventional takeoff and landing rather than vertical operations.
  • The flight occurred at Archer's Salinas, California test site with United Airlines CFO Mike Leskinen observing.
  • Midnight exceeded 126 mph during the run, and Archer reports recent tests have approached 150 mph.
  • Four company test pilots are now flying Midnight regularly, which Archer cites as evidence of program maturity.
  • The company presents the result as progress toward U.S. type certification and a planned UAE Launch Edition with Abu Dhabi Aviation as the first customer.