FutureFlight

At the first public reveal of its Midnight eVTOL air taxi last week, Archer Aviation explained some of the details of its proprietary motor and battery pack designs for the all-electric, four-passenger aircraft.

The Eco Caravan made a first flight on November 18, marking a key waypoint in Ampaire’s efforts to bring the converted hybrid-electric aircraft to market. The 33-minute sortie from the Los Angeles-area Camarillo Airport kicked off a flight test program that the California-based start-up aims to lead to an FAA supplemental type certificate for its modification kit in 2024.

A $119 million capital raise will support Lilium's efforts to complete EASA type certification of its seven-passenger Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft in 2025. The funding round is being backed by a mix of strategic aerospace industry investors, including Honeywell and Aciturri, and venture capitalists LGT, Lightrock, Tencent, and B. Riley Securities.

After pulling out of deals with Ampaire and special purpose acquisition company Tuscan Holdings Corporation, Surf Air Mobility has asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to approve plans for a direct public listing of its common stock. The flight booking platform wants to raise funds to support its ambitions to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion conversion package for existing aircraft.

Archer Aviation has publicly revealed its Midnight aircraft, the production version of the four-seat eVTOL air taxi the company aims to get into commercial service in 2025. Archer and customers such as United Airlines will use the all-electric aircraft to carry passengers around busy urban areas, including to and from airports.

Archer announced the selection of the Garmin 3000 integrated flight deck on the eve of its unveiling event for its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The company said it chose the system because it has been certified on numerous existing aircraft and is familiar to many professional pilots.

As part of the UK's Safe Flight project, GKN Aerospace has been evaluating a liquid hydrogen fuel system for an uncrewed air system to be used for search-and-rescue missions. The company says that by proving the fuel can be safely and efficiently stored and used to generate power, the project could support efforts to develop larger hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Archer Aviation, a California-based eVTOL air taxi developer backed by United Airlines, will build its first manufacturing facility near Covington Municipal Airport in Covington, Georgia. The company expects the new facility to produce about 2,300 Midnight eVTOL air taxis per year.

French aerospace giants Safran and Daher are backing a group that also includes Elixir Aircraft, engine maker Turbotech and hydrogen specialist Air Liquide in a government-funded program called BeautHyFuel. The partners are preparing to use the new TP-90 turbine engine to power its the two-seat Elixir light aircraft to develop more eco-friendly propulsion systems that could eventually use hydrogen for fuel.

German regional airline Evia Aero has agreed to work with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to develop a hydrogen-powered 19-seat aircraft. In a November 15 announcement, the companies said they are exploring plans to either convert an existing aircraft or develop a new model, with Evia provisionally agreeing to add 10 of either option to its fleet.