Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL Achieves Record-Breaking 55-Mile Flight
Archer Aviation recently made a groundbreaking announcement: its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has completed its longest piloted flight to date. This milestone event took place on August 18, 2025, with the aircraft covering an impressive distance of approximately 55 miles in just 31 minutes. The flight, which saw speeds exceeding 126 mph, was conducted at Archer’s facility in Salinas, California.
United Airlines CFO, Mike Leskinen, was present to witness this significant achievement.
The flight was executed as a conventional takeoff and landing mission, a testament to the Midnight’s operational flexibility. Recent test flights have seen the aircraft reach speeds nearing 150 mph. Furthermore, the aircraft landed with about 30% battery charge still remaining, underscoring its safety margins.
Currently, four test pilots are regularly conducting Midnight flights. This is part of Archer’s ongoing efforts as it moves towards FAA certification and prepares for commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates.
Source: Electrek