Anduril, Archer unveil jointly developed autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL platform

Multiple full-scale surrogate test flights have been completed, and Thunder’s first flight is planned for 2027.

Archer plans to announce the platform’s first commercial customers later this week.

Archer Aviation entered a partnership with defense contractor Anduril to jointly develop an autonomous series hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft platform.

Anduril unveiled the defense variant, Thunder, positioned as a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft for crewed attack and assault aircraft support.

The platform targets both defense missions and commercial uses, aiming for improved range, payload and operating costs versus traditional rotorcraft.