Archer Aviation
"Unlock the skies"
Archer Aviation is a San Jose eVTOL maker whose Midnight air taxi and Anduril-built Halo cargo aircraft target urban mobility and defense logistics.
Archer Aviation is a publicly traded (NYSE: ACHR) electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer headquartered at 190 W Tasman Drive in San Jose, California. The company was founded in October 2018 by Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock and has grown to roughly 900 employees as of 2025. Archer's original product line centers on Midnight, a piloted eVTOL aircraft designed to carry four passengers plus a pilot on trips of roughly 20 miles at cruise speeds up to about 150 miles per hour, using a 12-propeller configuration intended for use in urban air-taxi networks. The company received FAA Part 135 air carrier certification in June 2024 and Part 141 pilot school approval in February 2025, milestones needed to operate commercial air-taxi service in the United States.
In July 2026, Archer unveiled Halo, a commercial variant of a dual-use autonomous VTOL aircraft platform co-developed with defense technology company Anduril Industries. Unlike Midnight, Halo is designed to fly without an onboard pilot and is positioned for long-range autonomous cargo missions, extending Archer's product line from passenger air mobility into unmanned logistics and dual-use defense applications. Archer named Marubeni Aerospace as a strategic launch partner for Halo, and the aircraft was introduced publicly around the Farnborough International Airshow period. On August 1, 2026, Archer described Halo as a hybrid-electric autonomous VTOL intended for long-range cargo transport, extending beyond the short-hop urban routes targeted by Midnight toward logistics and defense-adjacent missions that require greater range and payload endurance.
Archer's commercial partnerships include an order for 200 Midnight aircraft from United Airlines, which has outlined plans for air-taxi routes connecting locations such as Newark, Los Angeles, and Chicago to nearby airports, as well as manufacturing support and equity investment from automaker Stellantis, which is helping scale Archer's production capacity. The company has also signed agreements with Southwest Airlines and private aviation services provider Jetex to support operational planning for air-taxi routes. Archer's earlier full-scale demonstrator aircraft, Maker, completed its first flight in December 2021 and achieved a full transition from vertical to horizontal wing-borne flight in November 2022, validating the aerodynamic and control approach later used in Midnight.
By combining a certified passenger eVTOL program (Midnight) with an autonomous, dual-use cargo platform developed with a defense contractor (Halo), Archer has positioned itself across three of RobotToday's application categories: aerospace and urban air mobility, defense and security through the Anduril-developed Halo variant, and logistics through Halo's cargo mission profile. The company manufactures its own airframes and flight-control systems rather than integrating third-party aircraft, placing it in the manufacturer role within the eVTOL and drone segment of the robotics and autonomous-systems industry.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Midnight
- Launch Year: 2022
4-passenger-plus-pilot eVTOL air taxi unveiled in 2022, designed for back-to-back 20-mile trips with 1,000+ lb payload.
Contact Archer Aviation
WEBSITE
https://www.archer.com/HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2018
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 500-1000
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Public
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Archer and AEG Collaborate on Downtown Los Angeles Vertiport at L.A. LIVE
Archer Aviation and AEG have announced a partnership to develop a vertiport at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. This project aims to establish the first vertiport in the area, enhancing Archer's regional air taxi network. The site will serve as a central hub for Archer's air taxi services, utilizing the Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This initiative is significant as it represents a forward-thinking collaboration that integrates infrastructure and technology, aimed at improving the fan experience during major sports and entertainment events. The vertiport will facilitate quicker travel, potentially reducing ground trips of over an hour to just 10 to 20 minutes, which is crucial for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Looking ahead, Archer and AEG are currently reviewing operational strategies and guest experiences for the vertiport. The project is also aligned with the ACES consortium's efforts to standardize electric aviation charging infrastructure, further supporting the development of all-electric flight in Southern California. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Air Taxi Drone News Drone News Feeds Drones in the News eVTOL News
ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 10 – 14, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: Unitree's IPO is swamped by retail demand, the US puts 100% tariffs on imported drones, LG and Nvidia commit to a 2027 humanoid, and Uber and Pony.ai bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe.
Archer Aviation Signs Agreements to Acquire Boeing Subsidiaries for Physical AI Expansion
Archer Aviation, a US-based company, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire three Boeing subsidiaries: Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Archer's capabilities in physical AI technology. The acquisition is significant as it positions Archer Aviation to leverage the expertise and resources of these established subsidiaries, which are known for their advancements in autonomous systems and AI applications. By integrating these companies, Archer seeks to strengthen its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of physical AI. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to see how Archer Aviation integrates these subsidiaries and the impact on its product offerings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Boeing to Sell Three Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation and Acquire Minority Stake
Boeing is set to sell three subsidiaries to Archer Aviation, allowing the aerospace giant to concentrate on its core commercial, defense, and global services. This strategic move follows Boeing's recent transactions, including the sale of a digital aviation software unit for $10.55 billion and reacquisition of Spirit Aerosystems for $8.4 billion. The collaboration between Boeing and Archer aims to enhance product development, particularly in autonomous flight technology, with Archer gaining ownership of Wisk's intellectual property. This transaction is significant as it marks a shift in Boeing's focus towards improving safety and quality in its manufacturing processes while also expanding Archer's capabilities in the aerospace sector. The deal comes after a settlement between Archer and Wisk, which had previously been embroiled in a lawsuit over trade secrets. Archer's commitment to becoming the exclusive autonomy technology provider for new aircraft models signals its ambition to diversify beyond electric air taxis into defense applications. Looking ahead, the partnership between Boeing and Archer is expected to accelerate the development of advanced air mobility solutions. Archer's recent unveiling of autonomous aircraft variants, Halo and Thunder, at the Farnborough International Airshow highlights its growing presence in both commercial and defense markets. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Boeing to Divest Three Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation in Strategic Partnership
Boeing has announced the sale of three subsidiaries—Insitu, SkyGrid, and Wisk Aero—to Archer Aviation in an all-stock transaction. This strategic partnership will see Boeing acquire a 16.5 percent stake in Archer, enhancing its position in the electric aircraft sector. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval. This transaction is significant as it consolidates Archer's capabilities in the autonomous eVTOL market, particularly with the integration of Insitu's drone technology and Wisk's autonomous flight systems. Boeing's investment and technology sharing agreement will allow it to leverage advancements in these areas while divesting non-core assets to focus on its primary aerospace operations. Looking ahead, the collaboration aims to bolster Archer's artificial intelligence platform, ZEE, and support the development of its all-electric Midnight aircraft. The eVTOL industry faces challenges in regulatory approval and market entry, making this partnership a critical step for both companies in navigating the evolving landscape of electric aviation.
Air Warfare Air Force Anduril Archer autonomy Boeing
Archer Aviation Launches Halo Autonomous VTOL for Long-Range Cargo Transport
Archer Aviation has introduced Halo, an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed for long-range cargo missions. This innovative aircraft can take off like a helicopter and fly long distances like an airplane, making it suitable for operations in areas where traditional aircraft cannot operate. The significance of Halo lies in its dual-use platform, developed in collaboration with Anduril, which allows for both commercial logistics and defense applications. The aircraft features a series hybrid-electric powertrain and dual tiltrotors, optimizing efficiency and reducing noise, making it ideal for suburban environments. Looking ahead, Halo's modular cargo bay and flexible deployment options promise to enhance operational efficiency. The aircraft can be transported in standard shipping containers, facilitating easy assembly at various locations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 20 – 24, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: AGIBOT unveils four new robots at WAIC 2026, the NDAA bars Chinese humanoids from the U.S. military, SoftBank eyes Gravis Robotics for its Roze vehicle, and Anduril reveals its Thunder autonomous attack tiltrotor at Farnborough.
Archer Launches Halo, a Commercial Autonomous VTOL Developed with Anduril
Archer Aviation has introduced Halo, a commercial variant of its dual-use autonomous VTOL platform, developed in collaboration with Anduril Industries. The announcement was made on July 22, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow, following Anduril's unveiling of the defense variant, Thunder. Halo is designed for both defense and commercial markets, featuring a hybrid powertrain and configurable payloads. The significance of Halo lies in its innovative design and capabilities, which combine long range, high speed, and heavy modular payloads. Archer's eight years of eVTOL development have culminated in this platform, which utilizes a series hybrid-electric powertrain and dual tiltrotors for efficiency and noise reduction. The aircraft is engineered for low-cost, high-volume production, leveraging commercial supply chains and existing manufacturing partnerships. Looking ahead, Archer has named Marubeni Aerospace Corporation as its first strategic partner for Halo, focusing on market research and use case identification. The platform targets various commercial logistics segments, including offshore energy resupply and humanitarian missions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Advanced Air Mobility Drone News Drone News Feeds Dual Use Hybrid Powertrains News
Anduril Unveils Thunder, an Autonomous Tiltrotor Attack Drone Concept
Anduril has introduced Thunder, a hybrid-electric tiltrotor combat drone developed in collaboration with Archer Aviation. Designed as a highly autonomous pilotless wingman, Thunder aims to operate alongside crewed helicopters like the AH-64 Apache, enhancing target acquisition and defense capabilities against air-to-air drone threats. This development is significant as it addresses critical operational gaps in modern warfare, allowing human pilots to engage from a safer distance while Thunder performs close-in defense. The drone's capabilities are expected to improve mission effectiveness in future conflicts, with a first flight planned for next year and potential full-scale production by the end of the decade. Looking ahead, the commercial version of Thunder is also in development, with Archer Aviation set to provide further details soon. As the drone is designed to operate at low altitudes, it is positioned to complement existing military aircraft, enhancing the U.S. Army's aerial capabilities in complex operational environments.
News & Features Air Drones Loyal Wingman Unmanned
