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Archer completes first hover flight of Maker aircraft

Archer Aviation Inc. of Palo Alto, CA, completed the first hover of its eVTOL demonstrator aircraft called Maker. The December 16 hover flight marked the completion of the company’s first full and complete systems test and validation of every hardware and software component working as intended to move the aircraft into the air.

“The past six months have been an incredible journey, from unveiling Maker to watching it take its first flight,” said Brett Adcock, Archer co-founder and co-CEO, on Dec. 16. “It’s been humbling to build a leading eVTOL company and educate the public on clean transportation alternatives. Today is a milestone for both Archer and the future of travel.”

In November, Archer’s flight test team, consisting of experts in flight test, battery, propulsion, flight controls, software and avionics, moved from the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto to a new flight test facility to prepare for this important milestone.

Archer explains the successful hover flight saw Maker accelerating off the ground and hovering in-place before returning to the ground safely.

“Everything we’ve accomplished this year, every milestone hit and partnership struck, was all with one goal in mind: developing both an aircraft and a UAM ecosystem that could scale and change the face of intra-city travel,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer co-founder and co-CEO. “With our first hover flight now completed, we’re one major step closer to that goal and have proven that Archer can work at a fast pace without sacrificing safety or quality. Our team stands ready to continue that pace as we work toward launching an aerial ridesharing service in late 2024.”

In addition to expanding Maker’s test flights, Archer also plans to unveil its piloted, four-seat production-intent aircraft in 2023.