Archer Aviation, an NYSE-listed eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has received airworthiness approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its forthcoming four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft. This approval paves the way for Archer to pursue type certification for its new product.

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft comprises 12 electric engines, a high-wing, V-tail configuration, fixed tricycle landing gear, and a ~6,500 lb maximum gross takeoff weight. Six engines are equipped with five-bladed variable-pitch propellers on the forward edge of the wing for vertical and forward thrust, and six engines power two-bladed fixed-pitch propellers on the aft edge of the wing for vertical thrust only.

The final criteria will be to provide a controlled emergency landing in any situation where the aircraft can no longer provide the thrust required for safe flight and landing. Archer Aviation claims that the FAA's approved airworthiness criteria will significantly progress the electrification of aviation. Archer Aviation expects to advance toward its final approvals on certification and test plans, aiming to begin piloted flight testing later this year.