Archer and Anduril Unveil New Autonomous VTOL Aircraft

Archer Aviation and Anduril have unveiled a jointly developed autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft platform designed for both defense and commercial applications.

The companies introduced the defense variant, Thunder, at the Farnborough International Airshow, with the first flight planned for 2027.

Thunder is a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft built to support crewed attack and assault aircraft.

The platform combines a series hybrid-electric powertrain with dual tiltrotors, enabling vertical takeoff and landing while delivering greater range, endurance, and fuel efficiency than traditional rotorcraft.

The design also reduces acoustic signature during low-altitude operations.

The aircraft is based on a dual-use platform jointly developed by Archer and Anduril, leveraging advancements from the commercial eVTOL sector in electric propulsion, rotor design, and manufacturing.

Its modular architecture is intended to support a wide range of defense and commercial payloads while operating from austere locations without the need for runways.

According to the companies, multiple test flights using full-scale surrogate aircraft have already been completed, validating key systems ahead of Thunder's planned flight campaign in 2027.

Archer also said it expects to announce its first commercial customers for the platform later this week.

Image credits: Archer Aviation