Archer and Anduril Partner on Midnight-Like Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Defense, Raise $430M, Prototypes Expected by 2025

Dec 12, 2024, 02:02 PM

Archer Aviation has announced an exclusive partnership with Anduril Industries to jointly develop a hybrid gas-and-electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for military applications. This collaboration is part of Archer's new Archer Defense program, which aims to expand its role in defense technology. The hybrid VTOL aircraft, described as a Midnight-like aircraft, will be designed for critical defense operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially weaponized missions. Archer has raised $430 million in new funding from investors such as Stellantis, United Airlines, Wellington Management, and Abu Dhabi's 2PointZero, bringing its total funding to nearly $2 billion. The aircraft will be manufactured at Archer's Georgia facility, with early prototypes expected by 2025. The partnership targets a potential program of record with the U.S. Department of Defense, which could secure long-term funding. Anduril, led by Palmer Luckey, will contribute its AI-powered Lattice command and control platform to the project, enhancing the aircraft's operational capabilities. Archer is also advancing its electric aviation efforts, with its Midnight aircraft aligned with recent FAA regulations and plans to launch air taxi networks by 2025. This move positions Archer as a significant player in the defense sector while continuing its efforts in electric aviation.