Archer, Anduril unveil autonomous aircraft platform for defense, commercial markets

Archer Aviation and defense technology company Anduril have unveiled a co-developed autonomous aircraft platform, designed for both commercial and military applications. The partnership aims to lower development costs and accelerate commercialization.

Anduril introduced the defense variant, named Thunder, at the Farnborough Airshow. It is described as a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft intended to operate alongside current and next-generation crewed aircraft. Archer CEO Adam Goldman stated that the aircraft was specifically built for Anduril's identified needs, catering to specific customers and use cases.

Archer, known for its electric air taxis, plans to reveal its commercial variant and initial customers later this week. This move comes as developers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft seek to expand beyond urban air taxi services due to certification delays, infrastructure challenges, and high capital requirements.

The Thunder platform utilizes a series hybrid-electric powertrain and tilt rotors, designed to vary rotor speed for different flight conditions. Its capabilities are intended for missions including military strikes, cargo movement, remote logistics, and operations from austere locations. Shane Arnott, Anduril's Senior Vice President of Programs & Engineering, indicated the aircraft is aimed at operators of helicopters like the Apache.

For Archer, this collaboration provides an entry into defense and heavier-duty commercial markets, potentially mitigating the uncertain outlook for the air-taxi sector. The companies have already completed multiple test flights using full-scale surrogate aircraft to validate key systems, with Thunder's first flight scheduled for 2027.