Archer Midnight
Archer Midnight is a 2026 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built in the USA for urban air mobility. It carries four passengers plus a pilot, uses a 142 kWh battery across six packs, flies up to 161 km at 241 km/h, and recharges in about 10 to 12 minutes. Designed for airport to city center routes, it supports high frequency commercial air taxi operations with 12 electric motors and low 45 dB cruise noise.
User Rating: 4 / 5 (55 votes)
| manufactured in | USA |
| model year | 2026 |
| battery capacity (kWh) | 142 |
| flight altitude (m) | 610 |
| flying time (min) | 40 |
| flying range (km) | 161 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 241 |
| weight (kg) | 3175 |
| passengers (qty) | 4 |
| cargo capacity (kg) | 453 |
* Minimum price set for the base trim by the manufacturer
Archer Midnight Review
Archer Midnight Introduction:
Archer Midnight arrives for the 2026 model year as a purpose built electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft engineered in the United States. It represents the commercial maturation of the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft segment. Developed by Archer Aviation and supported by major airline and automotive partners, it targets high frequency urban air mobility missions. The aircraft seats four passengers plus one pilot and aims to compress 60 to 90 minute ground commutes into 10 to 20 minute air transfers. With a 142 kWh battery system and over 1,000 kW of peak propulsion, it positions itself as a serious eVTOL air taxi for dense metropolitan corridors. Starting at $5,000,000 USD (€4,197,270), it occupies the upper tier of commercial electric aircraft pricing.
- Manufactured in the USA, with scaled production planned in Georgia for up to 650 aircraft annually.
- Official commercial entry targeted for 2026, aligned with FAA certification milestones.
- Features a proprietary 12 motor distributed electric propulsion system for safety redundancy.
- Designed for rapid 10 to 12 minute DC charging turnaround between missions.
- Marketed as a high throughput airport to city center electric air taxi network solution.
What is the Price of Archer Midnight in 2026?
The Archer Midnight price starts at $5,000,000 USD (€4,197,270). It positions the aircraft in the premium commercial electric aircraft price bracket, targeting fleet operators and government agencies rather than private owners.
| Trim Level | PRICE | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
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Base Configuration
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142 kWh battery across six packs, 161 km range, 241 km/h top speed, 12 electric motors, 40 minute flight endurance, 453 kg cargo capacity.
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Launch Edition
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Advanced avionics, enhanced connectivity, optimized flight software, premium cabin materials for flagship air taxi routes.
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AFWERX Military Spec
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Hardened systems, mission adaptability, reinforced communication architecture for defense applications.
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The trims share the same 14.6 meter wingspan and 3,175 kg maximum takeoff weight. Differences center on avionics depth, mission software, and interior specification. For fleet economics, the 40 mission per day capability drives long term ROI. And that high utilization narrative strengthens its commercial value.
Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:
Battery & Charging Specifications
The aircraft carries a 142 kWh lithium battery system distributed across six independent packs. Total flying range reaches 161 km or 100 miles, optimized for 32 to 80 km city missions. Typical cruise altitude sits at 610 meters or about 2,000 feet. DC fast charging restores operational readiness in 10 to 12 minutes, supporting rapid turnaround schedules.
- Battery capacity: 142 kWh
- Flying range: 161 km (100 miles)
- Flight endurance: 40 minutes
- DC charging time: 10 to 12 minutes
Electric Motor Specifications
Twelve electric motors drive the tilt rotor configuration. Total peak output exceeds 1,000 kW, equal to roughly 1,341 horsepower. Six front rotors tilt for vertical lift and forward transition, while six rear rotors stabilize cruise. The distributed electric propulsion system enhances redundancy and thrust modulation.
- Motors: 12 independent electric units
- Peak power: 1,000+ kW
- Configuration: High wing tilt rotor
- Max takeoff weight: 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Performance Specifications
Top speed reaches 241 km/h or 150 mph. The aircraft climbs vertically and transitions smoothly into wing borne cruise through software control. Noise levels register near 45 dB in cruise, far below traditional helicopter acoustics. Cargo capacity totals 453 kg or 1,000 lbs.
- Top speed: 241 km/h (150 mph)
- Flight altitude: 610 m (2,000 ft)
- Passengers: 4 plus pilot
- Cargo: 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
For operators, these specs translate into high frequency urban shuttle potential. Quick charge cycles and short hop efficiency drive mission density. And that directly improves cost per seat mile metrics.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior Design
The airframe features carbon fiber composite construction. Wingspan measures 14.6 meters or 48 feet. The high wing layout supports efficient cruise aerodynamics. A vertical LED light bar defines the nose. Landing gear geometry evokes avian posture ready for ascent. The 12 rotor layout underscores its electric air taxi identity while maintaining urban friendly acoustics.
Interior & Technology
The cabin adopts a 1 plus 2 plus 2 seating arrangement. Panoramic windows enhance passenger perception of stability. Garmin G3000 avionics integrate with Honeywell fly by wire control systems. NVIDIA IGX Thor AI supports obstacle detection and situational awareness. Sustainable fabrics and lightweight synthetics reduce overall mass while maintaining a premium environment.
Together, exterior aerodynamics and interior digital integration deliver a refined commuter flight experience. It feels closer to a high end electric sedan than a rotorcraft. And passengers can converse normally without headsets.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- 161 km range supports regional corridors
- 10 to 12 minute rapid charging turnaround
- 12 motor redundancy improves operational safety
- 45 dB low noise profile for urban compliance
- Strong airline partnerships in the USA
Cons
- High $5,000,000 entry price for fleet buyers
- Certification timelines tied to regulatory approval
- Passenger focus limits cargo specialization
Market position & Expert Data:
In 2026, the aircraft stands among leading commercial urban air mobility platforms. According to Reuters, global eVTOL investment surpassed $9 billion in recent years, signaling accelerating certification and deployment activity. Archer holds an order book exceeding $6 billion, reflecting early airline confidence.
Research from McKinsey & Company suggests urban air mobility markets could reach $35 billion annually by 2035. United Airlines publicly supports airport to city center routes in New York and Chicago. Manufacturing capacity of 650 units per year strengthens supply scalability.
Data reveals increasing regulatory alignment in the United States and the UAE. Industry analysts highlight pilot in loop design as favorable for FAA and UK CAA approval. That certification pathway enhances Western market entry prospects.
Conclusion:
The Archer Midnight stands as a high throughput electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed for serious commercial deployment. With 142 kWh of battery capacity, 241 km/h cruise speed, and rapid 10 minute charging, it targets efficient urban air mobility. Fleet economics hinge on high daily utilization. For operators seeking structured airport to city center networks, it offers a compelling technical package.
Exterior and Interior photos of Archer Midnight
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specifications List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Model Name
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Archer Midnight
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Model Year
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2026
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Country of Origin
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USA
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Manufacturer
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Archer Aviation
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Vehicle Class
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Piloted eVTOL air taxi for urban air mobility
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Seating
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4 passengers plus pilot
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Starting Price
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$5,000,000 USD (€4,197,270)
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Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Power Type
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Battery electric propulsion
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Propulsion Layout
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12 motor distributed electric propulsion, tilt rotor configuration
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Peak Propulsion Power
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1,000 plus kW, about 1,341 hp
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Maximum Speed
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241 km/h (150 mph)
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Typical Operating Altitude
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610 m (2,001 ft)
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Endurance
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40 minutes
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Cruise Noise
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About 45 dB
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Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Battery Capacity
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142 kWh, about 511 MJ
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Battery Architecture
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Six independent battery packs
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Fast Charging Type
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DC rapid charging for turnaround operations
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Charging Time
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10 to 12 minutes
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Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Maximum Flying Range
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161 km (100 miles)
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Optimized Trip Distance
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32 to 80 km (20 to 50 miles)
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Typical Mission Profile
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High frequency urban air mobility routes, airport to city center
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Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Wingspan
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14.6 m (48.0 ft)
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Maximum Takeoff Weight
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3,175 kg (7,000 lb)
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Cargo Capacity
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453 kg (1,000 lb)
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Exterior Design Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Airframe Construction
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Carbon fiber composites
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Wing Configuration
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High wing layout with tilt rotor system
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Rotor Count and Layout
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12 electric rotors, six tilting front, six rear for stabilization
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Signature Lighting
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Vertical LED light bar on the nose
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Interior Design and Materials
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Cabin Layout
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1 plus 2 plus 2 seating layout
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Windows
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Large panoramic windows
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Materials
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Recycled fabrics and lightweight synthetics
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Cabin Technical Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Avionics Suite
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Garmin G3000 based avionics
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Flight Controls
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Honeywell fly by wire control system with high automation
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Passenger Displays
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Passenger facing digital displays for flight status and arrival time
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AI and Situational Awareness
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NVIDIA IGX Thor AI platform for obstacle detection and situational awareness
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Ride Character
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Stabilized, low vibration cabin experience designed for normal conversation
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Comparison:
Archer Midnight plays in a crowded, fast-evolving electric flight arena, and the matchup gets interesting fast. Put it beside Vertical Aerospace VX4, Supernal S-A2, Eviation Alice, and Electra Aero eSTOL, and you see two philosophies. One group aims at short, repeatable metro hops. The other chases longer regional legs, even if infrastructure and ops look different.
| EV Model | PRICE (USD) | KEY FEATURES | EV PAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
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Archer Midnight
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Range 100.0 miles (161 km), Battery 142 kWh, Top Speed 149.7 mph (241 km/h), Power about 1,341 hp (1,000+ kW). |
—
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Vertical Aerospace VX4
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in United Kingdom, Range 99.4 miles (160 km), Top Speed 149.1 mph (240 km/h). |
View | |
|
Supernal S-A2
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Range 186.4 miles (300 km), Top Speed 161.6 mph (260 km/h). |
View | |
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Eviation Alice
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Range 285.8 miles (460 km), Top Speed 298.3 mph (480 km/h). |
View | |
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Electra Aero eSTOL
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Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Range 310.7 miles (500 km), Top Speed 200.7 mph (323 km/h). |
View |
Range and Real World Usability for Urban Air Mobility
Short-hop readiness favors predictable missions, and that is where Midnight aligns cleanly with the VX4. Both hover near 100.0 miles (161 km) and 99.4 miles (160 km), ideal for airport to downtown loops. Step up to the Supernal S-A2 at 186.4 miles (300 km), and you widen route flexibility. Alice and the eSTOL platform stretch to 285.8 miles (460 km) and 310.7 miles (500 km), which reads more regional than metro.
EV Efficiency and Energy Logic per Mission
Efficiency lives at the intersection of range, battery transparency, and turnaround rhythm. Only one model in this set states battery size at 142 kWh, which enables usable metrics like 0.7 mi per kWh and 1.1 km per kWh for planning. The others publish range but keep battery capacity off the spec sheet here, so operators must model energy margins with broader assumptions. In practice, disclosed energy data speeds route planning and sharpens dispatch confidence.
Charging Time and Daily Convenience for Fleet Operations
Daily convenience hinges on ground time more than headline speed. One aircraft specifies a 10 to 12 minute DC turnaround charge, which is a fleet operator’s kind of detail. The comparison pages list range and speed, yet do not state charging time in minutes, so scheduling becomes more conservative by default. And conservative schedules reduce utilization. For high-frequency urban air mobility, published charging numbers matter as much as airframe elegance.
Price Positioning and Value Logic for Buyers
Archer Midnight anchors the top of the published price stack at $5,000,000, while Supernal S-A2 undercuts it at $3,000,000 and VX4 and Alice sit at $4,000,000. Electra Aero eSTOL shows TBD pricing here, so value math stays open-ended. The value logic splits by mission count and route length. Higher unit cost can pencil out when turnaround is fast and utilization stays high, especially on dense airport corridors.
