Latest news with #flighttest


Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: Archer successfully completes test flight of Midnight eVTOL aircraft
Image: Supplied The flight test focused on evaluating the aircraft's vertical take-off and landing performance under UAE-specific conditions — high temperatures, humidity, and dust exposure — as part of Archer's preparations for regional certification and deployment. The company said it will continue expanding its flight testing programme in the region to gather additional data to support its certification and commercialisation efforts in both the UAE and other key markets. The flight was conducted with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and was attended by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Abu Dhabi Airports, as well as representatives from Archer's regional partners. Archer test flight marks key milestone for Abu Dhabi's plans to drive urban air mobility 'This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,' said Badr Al-Olama, director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. 'Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.' 'Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation. 'Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the US. The test flight supports Archer's Launch Edition commercialisation programme with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish electric air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The programme reflects Archer's strategy to launch commercial operations in key early adopter markets. The announcement follows recent progress by Archer in the UAE, including regulatory design approval for the country's first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing partnerships with leading regional operators. Read:


Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Archer begins test flights in Abu Dhabi
Archer's flight test operations are focused on evaluating the aircraft's Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) performance in UAE-specific conditions, including high temperature, humidity and dust exposure in advance of commercial deployment Senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports attended the flight test, along with representatives from Archer's regional partners Abu Dhabi, UAE – Archer (NYSE: ACHR) today announced the successful completion of an initial flight of its Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone for its planned commercial deployment in the UAE and the expansion of its operations in the Middle East region. With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer's regional partners. Focused on evaluating the aircraft's VTOL performance in UAE-specific conditions including temperature, humidity and dust exposure, the test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment. Following this milestone, Archer will expand its flight-testing programme for Midnight in the region, gathering additional data to support its certification and commercialisation plans in both the UAE and other key markets. 'This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,' said H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. 'Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies'. "Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi," said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation. "Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S." The test flight supports Archer's Launch Edition commercialisation programme with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes as Archer continues to advance its certification and commercialisation efforts in the UAE and beyond, building on recent achievements including regulatory design approval for the UAE's first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing partnerships with leading regional operators. The Launch Edition programme represents Archer's approach to establishing commercial operations in key early adopter markets. Abu Dhabi's role as Archer's first Launch Edition market positions the emirate as a global leader in urban air mobility deployment, demonstrating Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovative transport and sustainable mobility solutions. About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit Archer Media Contacts Tales and Heads (UAE) - archer@ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's future business plans and goals, including statements regarding the development, flight testing, commercialization, and certification of its aircraft and the plans for its 'Launch Edition' programme. In addition, this press release refers to a partnership that is conditioned on the future execution by the parties of additional binding definitive agreements incorporating the terms outlined in the memorandum of understanding, which definitive agreements may not be completed or may contain different terms than those set forth in the framework agreement. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. Source: Archer Text: ArcherIR About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit: For more information, please contact: ADIO@
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ursa Major Awarded $32.9M Contract to Deliver 16 Upgraded Hadley Engines for Stratolaunch Hypersonic Test Program
Deal supports increased national flight test cadence through 2032, advancing hypersonic readiness DENVER, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursa Major has been awarded a $32.9 million contract to develop and deliver 16 upgraded Hadley H13 engines to Stratolaunch. The multi-year program extends a series of successful flight collaborations and supports a growing operational cadence. "This contract directly supports U.S. hypersonic test infrastructure and the broader imperative to accelerate high-speed flight programs that deliver for national security," said Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major. "As the proud partner and hypersonic propulsion provider to Stratolaunch, we're focused on getting real capability into the field – faster, at scale, and without compromising performance." The Hadley H13 is a mission-upgraded variant that increases engine reusability with additional starts, driving down cost per flight while supporting new test objectives and mission profiles. Ursa Major's Hadley engines have powered multiple successful Talon-A missions, including sustained Mach 5+ flight and vehicle recovery, demonstrating the engine's performance under operational conditions. About Ursa MajorUrsa Major is an aerospace and defense company delivering flight-proven capabilities for hypersonics, solid rocket motors, in-space propulsion, and launch. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major leverages advanced production techniques and flexible architectures to build systems for all domains: land, air, sea, and space. The company is revitalizing the defense industrial base for the U.S. and its allies, flying faster to accelerate delivery of critical capabilities where speed and adaptability matter most. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ursa Major Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Archer showcases piloted midnight flight as it advances to next phase Of flight test program
Last week, Archer showcased Midnight's piloted flight operations as the company continues to advance its certification and commercialization efforts in the U.S. and in the UAE. This phase of Archer's flight test program builds on years of safe, autonomous flight testing across its various aircraft platforms In this phase of its program, Archer is testing the piloted conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) capabilities of its Midnight aircraft. CTOL aircraft operations demand greater robustness in the design of the landing gear and related components Archer, government regulators and its customers, both civil and defense, have identified the importance of being able to conduct both vertical and conventional take-off and landing as part of normal operations of the aircraft as CTOL brings operational flexibility and along with it enhanced safety Archer's Chief Test Pilot, Jeff Greenwood, who was in the cockpit at the controls of this piloted flight and previously served as a test pilot for Bell Textron and a pilot in the United States Marine Corps, remarked on the ease of handling of the Midnight aircraft SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Today, Archer (NYSE: ACHR) announced it has begun the next phase of Midnight's flight test program showcasing piloted flight. This phase builds on years of safe, autonomous flight testing across its various aircraft platforms, which validated its proprietary 12 tilt-6 VTOL configuration. Midnight cruised at speeds up to 125 mph and reached a maximum altitude of over 1,500 feet above ground level during the flight. The flight featured a conventional take-off and landing demonstrating the robustness of Midnight's landing gear that is capable of performing both vertical and conventional take-off and landing operations. Through its design and certification process, Archer, government regulators and its customers, both civil and defense, have identified the importance of being able to conduct both vertical and conventional take-off and landing as part of normal operations of the aircraft as CTOL provides operational flexibility and enhanced safety. During this phase of Midnight's flight test program, Archer's test pilots will continue to test key elements of the aircraft, such as flight control responsiveness, stability and aerodynamic and control model validation in addition to gathering data to support its certification and commercialization efforts in both the U.S. and UAE. 'Put simply, the performance of Midnight continues to demonstrate the strengths of our design decisions for this aircraft platform,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer. 'Midnight's VTOL and CTOL capabilities are a strong differentiator for us as they are critical for delivering an aircraft that can integrate into a wide range of operational scenarios while also providing enhanced safety.' The piloted flight was flown by Archer Chief Test Pilot Jeff Greenwood who joined the company in 2021, providing invaluable insight while focusing on cockpit design, including vendor selection for the display and other equipment. Before joining Archer, Greenwood served as a test pilot for Bell Textron, where he helped develop, test, and certify leading industry rotorcraft. A veteran, Greenwood served as a pilot in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years. During his tenure, he developed his passion for test piloting and was a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School. 'Flying Midnight felt just like flying the simulator—everything responded exactly as we trained for, which is exactly what you hope for during a test flight,' said Jeff Greenwood, Chief Test Pilot at Archer. 'That level of consistency is no surprise. It's a testament to the engineering and operational excellence of our team, whose attention to detail and dedication to safety made this milestone possible.' About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. Archer Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's business plans and expectations, including statements regarding Archer's aircraft performance, and the pace at which Archer intends to develop, certify, manufacture and commercialize its aircraft. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is or will be available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.


Fox News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump's 'Golden Dome' system increasingly protects US against hypersonic threats, says Lockheed Martin CEO
All times eastern FOX News Radio Live Channel Coverage WATCH LIVE: Starship flight test 9 will take off soon