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Archer (ACHR) Partners NASA to Study eVTOL Technologies

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Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR - Free Report) recently announced that it has signed a Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) to promote mission-critical electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technologies in the United States. As part of the joint effort, the two organizations will study high-performance batteries for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space applications.  

NASA will test the battery design developed for the Archer Midnight eVTOL aircraft. Under the collaboration, NASA and Archer will examine the battery’s safety, energy and performance using advanced X-ray facilities. The partnership will also ensure the mass production and adoption of electric aviation.

Archer’s Take in eVTOL

Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, Midnight, is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft powered by six independent battery packs. The aircraft is capable of flying around 20-mile back-to-back trips, with around 12-minute charging sessions in between.

It is considered to be a safe, low-cost and low-noise vehicle for air travel.

Prospects in the AAM Market

With the woes of the pandemic behind us and economies across the globe witnessing growth once again, the AAM industry is experiencing an upward trajectory. The increased investments and government regulations in support of the industry are driving the demand for AAM globally. To this end, per a report by The Insight Partners firm, the AAM market is estimated to reach $12,730.44 million by 2030.

Such solid market growth prospects should aid Archer Aviation, a prominent AAM player in the world. Archer aims to deliver a high-performing battery pack with leading safety features for its Midnight electric air taxi. These cells are tailor-made for aerospace applications, including eVTOL, electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft and potential usage in space.

As the NASA’s testing progresses, favorable results should boost the demand for Midnight aircraft, contributing to ACHR’s broader advancements in the AAM market.

Opportunities for Peers

Other aircraft manufacturers that may gain from the flourishing market prospects are as follows:

Boeing (BA - Free Report) : Wisk, a fully-owned subsidiary of Boeing, is one of the only AAM companies to pursue a self-flying first approach. Jointly with Boeing, it has developed a Concept of Operations for uncrewed passenger-carrying urban air mobility.

The Generation 6 aircraft is the world’s first all-electric, autonomous, four-seat air taxi designed for passenger transport. It has an operational range of 144 km and a cruising speed of 110-120 knots.

Airbus (EADSY - Free Report) : Airbus Urban Mobility oversees the development of eVTOLs. The company has successfully developed two electric VTOL demonstrators, CityAirbus and Vahana.

Airbus’ new generation eVTOL, the CityAirbus NextGen is a fully integrated, four-seat eVTOL vehicle. With an operational range of 80 km and a cruise speed of 120 km/h, it is a safe and reliable air mobility service.

Textron (TXT - Free Report) : Bell, a subsidiary of Textron, has developed high-speed vertical lift technology for more than 85 years. The company is leveraging its extensive investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing technology to demonstrate advanced performance capabilities. The portfolio includes VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15.

The Bell Autonomous Pod Transport has an operational range of 56 km and a cruising speed of 70 m/h. With high speed and quieter flight, the vehicle provides military, medical and logistical support.


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