Korean Air has partnered with US electric aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation to develop a military version of the company’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for South Korea, local news reported.
Under the agreement, Korean Air will adapt the civilian aircraft to meet Seoul’s military requirements, while Archer will provide technical support and assist with airworthiness certification.
By modifying an existing aircraft instead of developing a new one, the companies expect to bring the military platform into service more quickly.
The Midnight has already participated in evaluation activities with the US Air Force, providing an existing technical baseline for the program.
The military variant could be used for a range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, and special operations support.
The Midnight eVTOL can carry four passengers, has a maximum range of about 100 miles (161 kilometers), and reaches speeds of up to 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour.
Certification and Future Plans
Beyond the military program, the partnership could also support South Korea’s wider advanced air mobility industry.
According to the companies, technical data from Archer’s ongoing US Federal Aviation Administration certification process could help South Korea develop its own certification framework for eVTOL aircraft.
South Korea aims to introduce commercial urban air mobility services under its Korean Urban Air Mobility program by 2028.
Korean Air said data and certification experience from the Midnight project could help support that effort.
