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Archer passes eVTOL battery pack drop tests, dropped at various states of charge and still functions

April 01, 2024

Archer Aviation Inc., an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, has successfully completed multiple battery pack drop tests, a significant milestone for its Midnight aircraft program.

The tests were conducted at a National Institute for Aviation Research lab, where Midnight’s battery packs were dropped from 50 feet at varying states of charge (0%, 30%, and 100%) to simulate extreme impact scenarios. Remarkably, the batteries not only withstood the impact but continued to function properly, validating the durability of Archer’s proprietary battery pack design.

These tests are considered one of the most challenging barriers to certification in the electric aviation industry, designed to ensure battery packs can safely endure significant impact. The successful completion of these tests puts Archer in a strong position for upcoming for-credit testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Archer aims to transform urban travel by replacing 60–90-minute car commutes with estimated 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. The company’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

“Successfully passing the battery pack drop tests marks a pivotal moment that paves the way for future ‘for credit’ certification testing with the FAA,” said Alex Clarabut, Archer’s Battery Lead. “This accomplishment highlights our dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding safety standards. It is a critical step towards our goal of ensuring that Midnight will be among the safest aircraft in the skies. It’s a testament to our team’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, and we’re thrilled with the results that the battery packs not only passed the test, but still functioned properly afterward.”