Archer Plans Miami eVTOL Network, Signs Rotor Tech Deal | Aerospace News
Archer Aviation Establishes Miami eVTOL Network, Secures Military-Grade Rotor Technology
Archer Aviation has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize regional air mobility in South Florida while simultaneously advancing its defense-oriented vertical lift capabilities through a landmark technology partnership.
On December 3, 2025, the US-based eVTOL developer announced plans for an extensive electric air taxi network connecting South Florida’s major population and business centers: Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale. The network is designed to link the region’s three major international airports—Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), and Palm Beach International (PBI)—while reducing ground transportation times by up to 70-85%.
Archer’s four-passenger Midnight aircraft can replace typical 60-90-minute ground commutes with 10-20-minute electric air taxi flights, offering a transformative solution to South Florida’s notorious traffic congestion.
The infrastructure partnerships are substantial. Archer is collaborating with Related Ross to develop a vertiport within its West Palm Beach downtown development and with Dragon Global’s Magic City Innovation District for another facility. Additionally, helipads at Hard Rock Stadium—home to the Miami Dolphins and host venue for Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix events—and Apogee Golf Club will be reconfigured to accommodate eVTOL operations.
Related Ross CEO Stephen Ross emphasized the strategic importance: “Our partnership with Archer marks a pivotal step in expanding South Florida’s regional connectivity through cutting-edge technology. We’re excited to embrace a forward-thinking vision that transforms how people and businesses move across the region.”
Parallel to its commercial ambitions, Archer announced a transformative technology acquisition. On December 2, 2025, the company signed an agreement with Karem Aircraft to access military-grade rotor and tiltrotor technologies. This exclusive partnership will enable Archer to integrate validated tiltrotor systems into its hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft.
The acquisition represents a critical advancement for Archer’s ongoing collaboration with defense contractor Anduril to develop autonomous hybrid-propulsion VTOL platforms. According to Archer, these combined capabilities—incorporating Karem’s expertise alongside recently acquired intellectual property from Overair and Lilium—enable aircraft with superior speed, range, payload capacity, and reduced thermal and acoustic signatures ideal for contested airspace operations.
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein stated: “Karem’s military-grade rotor systems are among the most advanced Army-validated technologies in the world. Integrating them into our next-gen hybrid VTOL platform positions Archer to move faster and deliver capabilities that legacy systems simply can’t match.”
These developments position Archer as a dual-track innovator: advancing commercial urban air mobility while becoming a serious contender in the defense sector’s modernization of vertical lift capabilities.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764770446262-1111