FutureFlight
Honeywell Joins Archer eVTOL Aircraft Program, As Flight Testing Progresses
Archer aims to complete construction of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in 2023 as it seeks to complete type certification in 2024.
Archer's Maker eVTOL technology demonstrator started test flights in December 2021.
Archer's eVTOL aircraft will use Honeywell's actuator technology to allow 6 of its 12 rotors to tilt forward during horizontal cruise flight. (Image: Archer)

Honeywell Aerospace will provide flight control actuation and thermal management systems for Archer’s in-development four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. Announcing the partnership on July 27, the companies said that the actuation technology will be a key enabler of Archer’s “12-tilt-six” configuration in which half of the aircraft’s 12 rotors tilt forward to support cruise flight.

Archer is conducting test flights with a subscale technology demonstrator called the Maker. The California-based company intends to finish the construction of a full-scale prototype in 2023 as it pursues an ambitious goal of receiving FAA type certification in 2024.