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

      **TL;DR:** Anduril and Archer introduced Thunder at Farnborough, an autonomous attack VTOL based on a dual-use air taxi platform. It features a series hybrid-electric, tiltrotor design with its first flight scheduled for 2027.

      Anduril and Archer Aviation presented Thunder at the Farnborough International Airshow on Sunday, an autonomous attack rotorcraft of Group 5, created on a collaboratively developed dual-use platform. The aircraft aims to enhance the combat capabilities of piloted attack and assault helicopters by operating alongside them without a pilot. It employs a series hybrid-electric powertrain and dual tiltrotors that adjust RPM depending on the flight mode, which helps lower fuel consumption during cruising and reduces noise during low-altitude approaches.

      The architecture of the platform is significant. Thunder is not just a modified air taxi; it is an entirely new design that leverages advancements in electric propulsion, rotor design, and vertical takeoff from the commercial eVTOL sector for a weapons-capable airframe. The tiltrotor design integrates VTOL with wingborne cruising, allowing it to operate from remote locations without the range limitations typical of traditional helicopters. Archer has already conducted several test flights with full-scale surrogate aircraft, with Thunder's first flight scheduled for 2027. Archer plans to announce the first commercial clients for the civilian variant later this week.

      Earlier this year, Anduril raised $5 billion at a valuation of $61 billion, having doubled in value within eleven months. Thunder illustrates where the funds are being allocated: towards autonomous aircraft that can be produced on a commercial scale rather than following conventional defense procurement timelines. Archer brings its 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 costs across military and commercial sectors.

      “We couldn't just modify our existing aircraft,” stated Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. “We adopted a bold first principles approach with Anduril to create what we believe is the most advanced vertical lift aircraft ever developed.” Shield AI secured $2 billion at a valuation of $12.7 billion for its Hivemind autonomous combat pilot, and the autonomous military aircraft market is attracting investment at a rate similar to that of AI lab funding. Thunder's strategy is that the quickest route to a competent autonomous attack aircraft involves the supply chain of the commercial eVTOL industry rather than traditional defense contractors.