More than 20 engineers from supersonic aircraft developer Aerion have moved to Archer to support the California-based company's efforts to bring a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft to market by 2024. Aerion collapsed on May 21 after failing to raise the new investment needed for its ambitious plans to develop the AS2 business jet and the larger AS3 airliner. More than 200 jobs were lost when the company abruptly closed its doors.

Among the cohort of talent recruited from Aerion are the following specialists: head of interiors Alessandra D’Ambrosia-Furman, electromagnetic effects lead Ed Barnes, principal flight controls engineer Jonhyeob Shin, head of systems engineering and systems safety Pedro Carleial, and aerodynamics test engineer Mike Kerho. Archer said the new recruits will boost its capability in areas such as fly-by-wire controls, flight dynamics, systems engineering, system safety, avionics, power systems, and electromagnetic effects.

The company says it expects to increase its payroll to 300 people by the end of 2021. It has also been recruiting engineering talent from established aerospace companies, including Boeing and Gulfstream.

On June 10, Archer unveiled its Maker technology demonstrator during an event in Los Angeles. The company intends to start flight testing with the demonstrator during the fourth quarter of 2021, as it prepares to begin manufacturing the larger production aircraft in 2022.

In January, Archer launched a strategic partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which will support the start-up in preparing to begin producing its eVTOL aircraft. The carmaker will provide access to its supply chain, advanced materials capabilities, and engineering and design experience.

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