Archer takes off with launch of Maker

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The Archer Maker eVTOL aircraft is one of the first passenger eVTOL aircraft. | Image credit: Archer

California-based Archer, a company designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), today announced plans to unveil its inaugural aircraft, Maker. The unveiling of the company’s 2-seat demonstrator aircraft marks a monumental milestone for Archer’s journey toward commercial launch.

Special Archer Maker launch event

On June 10th, Archer will host an intimate event in Los Angeles, in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, to showcase its aircraft. Due to state-mandated limitations on event size, a livestream will also be available for a global audience of viewers.

Archer’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platform will move people throughout cities in a fast, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. The fully electric aircraft, designed to be 100x quieter than a helicopter, will travel distances of up to 60 miles at 150 mph using technology that is available today. Archer’s aircraft will revolutionize the next era of travel and transform how people approach everyday life, work, and adventure — all while benefiting the environment and working towards a zero-emissions future. Maker is the result of extensive development by Archer’s world-class team who collectively have over 200 years in eVTOL experience.

The Archer Maker aircraft promises to open a new door to all-electric, personal aircraft. | Image credit: Archer

“Maker’s unveil brings us one step closer to making sustainable travel more accessible and affordable for people living in the world’s biggest, most congested cities,” said Archer co-founder and co-CEO Brett Adcock. “Archer has seen a period of tremendous growth and we are proud of what our team has already accomplished. We’re excited to continue on our timeline toward a commercial launch and move urban transportation networks into the skies.”

“At Archer, we are playing the long-game and investing in better, more sustainable transportation for generations to come,” said Archer co-founder and co-CEO Adam Goldstein. “Setting a date for our supporters to see that mission materialize is a momentous occasion, not just for our team, but for the future cities that will benefit from a green transportation alternative. We are grateful for the partners, collaboration, and trust that have led us to this point, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

Archer’s recently announced merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corporation (NYSE: ACIC) and commercial order from United Airlines values the company at $3.8 billion and puts Archer in prime position to integrate UAM as part of cities’ future transportation networks.

From a logistical standpoint, Archer’s definitive OEM agreement with Stellantis, one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world, grants the company access to the low-cost supply chain and advanced composite material capabilities needed to produce aircraft at the scale to support the company’s future UAM platform. In order to usher in the adoption of eVTOL and promote sustainable travel, Archer has also partnered with the cities of Los Angeles and Miami to begin development on UAM networks for city travelers, with consumer flights slated for 2024.

To view Archer’s aircraft unveil, please RSVP for the livestream via this website.

Takeaways

While the new Archer Maker isn’t 100% autonomous, the significance of this announcement is the release of one of the first commercially available, all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Part drone, part winged aircraft, the Archer Maker will require an autonomous co-pilot function to manage all of the aircraft flight stability and rotor-motor control. Think of this as a super-sized drone, able to safely carry a human. We’re one step closer to the reality of the Jetsons with this product announcement.