Anduril and Archer revealed an autonomous attack rotorcraft developed from air taxi technology. The initial flight is scheduled for 2027.

      Anduril and Archer introduced Thunder at the Farnborough International Airshow on Sunday, an autonomous attack VTOL developed from a jointly designed dual-use platform. This Group 5 rotorcraft aims to enhance the combat effectiveness of manned attack and assault helicopters by operating alongside them autonomously. It features a series hybrid-electric power system and dual tiltrotors that adjust RPM during different flight phases, which helps reduce fuel consumption during cruise and minimizes noise during low-altitude approaches.

      The architectural design of the platform is noteworthy. Thunder is not simply an adapted air taxi; it is a completely new construction that leverages advancements in electric propulsion, rotor design, and vertical takeoff from the commercial eVTOL sector, integrating these into a weapons-capable airframe. The tiltrotor design merges VTOL with wingborne cruising, enabling operations from remote locations without the range restrictions typical of standard helicopters. Archer has successfully conducted numerous test flights with scale surrogate aircraft, and Thunder's inaugural flight is set for 2027. Archer plans to reveal the first commercial clients for the civilian version later this week.

      Earlier this year, Anduril secured $5 billion, reaching a $61 billion valuation in just eleven months. Thunder exemplifies how the funds are being utilized: in developing autonomous aircraft that can be manufactured on a commercial scale, moving away from conventional defence procurement timelines. Archer contributes manufacturing expertise, with its Midnight air taxi being the most advanced eVTOL currently in the US certification process. The dual-use platform allows both companies to spread development expenses across both defence and commercial sectors.

      “We couldn’t just modify our existing aircraft,” stated Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. “We approached this with a bold first principles strategy alongside Anduril, aiming to create what we believe is the most advanced vertical lift aircraft to date.” Meanwhile, Shield AI raised $2 billion at a $12.7 billion valuation for its Hivemind autonomous combat pilot, reflecting a surge of investment in the autonomous military aircraft sector akin to the AI lab funding trends. Thunder's strategy hinges on the belief that the quickest route to developing a capable autonomous attack aircraft lies within the supply chain of the commercial eVTOL industry rather than through traditional defence contractors.