Aviation360 MEA

Archer Aviation Inc., a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector, has revealed the formalization of a Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The collaborative venture is set to commence with an inaugural project centered on the examination of high-performance battery cells and safety trials specifically tailored for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space applications.

According to Archer, although the supply chain for electric vehicles in the United States is advancing, the one for electric aircraft remains in its early stages, not only domestically but also globally. Therefore, the ongoing testing is envisioned to propel advancements in this domain. NASA’s objective is to assess Archer’s battery cell and system design and disseminate the findings to propel the entire AAM industry forward. The maturation of battery technology is anticipated to play a crucial role in facilitating the mass production and widespread adoption of electric aviation.

Archer aims to provide a high-performing battery pack with top-tier safety features for its Midnight electric air taxi, confirming that these cells are specifically crafted for aerospace applications, encompassing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, and potential usage in space.

Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO, expressed pride in partnering with NASA, a trailblazer in the eVTOL industry for over three decades. He emphasized the collective mission to ensure U.S. leadership in aerospace endures, as many countries worldwide vie for prominence in this new era of flight. Goldstein underscored the necessity for collaboration between the government and industry to secure the nation’s position in advancing aviation technology, which stands to benefit all Americans.

In the joint initiative regarding battery characterization, NASA and Archer will concentrate on extensive testing of safety, energy, and power performance capabilities of the battery cells. These tests will be conducted using the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), one of the most advanced high-speed X-ray facilities globally, to analyze the cells’ behavior under extreme abuse conditions. Archer has opted for cylindrical cells for its battery cell form factor, citing their proven safety, performance, and scalability in decades of volume manufacturing across various global applications, including millions of electric vehicles.

The collaboration aims to unlock the potential benefits of AAM for communities, transforming urban and rural living and commuting by enhancing mobility, expanding cargo and logistics options, and creating avenues for manufacturing jobs and socioeconomic opportunities. At the core of realizing this potential is the purposeful design, development, and mass production of batteries and electric motors tailored for electric aircraft.