Retro depictions of a future with flying cars weaving through gleaming skyscrapers in futuristic cities are one step closer to reality.
On Wednesday, Santa Clara, California-based Archer Aviation Inc. announced that United Airlines has invested in the company’s line of electric flying taxis.
United has made a $10 million pre-delivery payment to Archer Aviation for 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Maker aircraft, according to a press release from Archer. The down payment by United bolsters its support for the urban air mobility (UAM) concept.
United-Archer Partnership Dates Back to 2021
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In 2021, the Chicago-based airline agreed to invest in Archer by placing a conditional $1 billion order for the Archer Maker, with an additional option worth $500 million. United intends to partner with Mesa Airlines to provide customers in its major hub cities with an efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible method to get to and from the airport.
United’s partnership with Archer is part of its ongoing commitment to decarbonize by 2050. Estimates show a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger with Maker.
United CEO Scott Kirby said in 2021, “Archer’s eVTOL design, manufacturing model, and engineering expertise has the clear potential to change how people commute within major metropolitan cities all over the world.”
Clean and Virtually Silent Air Travel
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eVTOL aircraft take off vertically like a helicopter, fly like an airplane, and are 100 percent powered by electricity.
Powered by 12 small rotors that spin slower than helicopter blades, Maker will feature independent power and propulsion to ensure high levels of safety.
With a range of 60 miles on a single charge, Archer says Maker will fly at speeds of up to 150 mph while creating minimal noise. At 2,000 feet, Maker will emit a noise level no higher than 45 dba – 1000 times quieter than a helicopter flying at the same altitude. Archer eVTOL aircraft are designed to fly at a maximum altitude of 3,000 feet.
The concept recently passed its preliminary design review (PDR) and will continue to the next development phase.
Maker’s first hover test flight was completed in December 2021.
“I am incredibly proud of the entire Archer team as we reach this milestone in our partnership with United Airlines. To receive a cash deposit is validation of Archer’s achievements to date, not only with flight testing and product development, but also a great signal of confidence in our roadmap to commercialization” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO. “We’re thankful to United for their continued partnership as we usher in this new era in air travel.”
Archer Aviation’s mission is to “unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time.”
Other Carriers Invest in eVTOL Technology
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United is not the first airline to invest in eVTOL technology. In 2021, American Airlines placed a conditional order worth $1 billion for up to 250 aircraft, with an option for 100 more, through UK-based Vertical Aerospace. Vertical is developing the VA-X4, a nearly-silent, zero-carbon aircraft designed to carry four passengers and a pilot at speeds up to 200 mph. The VA-X4 will have a range of over 100 miles.
England’s Virgin Atlantic Airways has also made an initial investment for the VA-X4.
Archer and Vertical hope to have their eVTOL models certified for commercial use sometime in 2024.