Anduril and Archer Aviation Collaborate on New VTOL Aircraft

Anduril and Archer Aviation revealed on Monday their partnership to develop a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform designed for both commercial and military uses.

The defense variant, dubbed Thunder, debuted at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK. According to the companies, this dual-purpose platform signifies a significant advancement in vertical lift technology, using commercial electric propulsion and providing enhanced speed, range, payload capacity, and cost-effectiveness beneficial for varied applications.

Thunder incorporates a hybrid-electric powertrain, which boosts its range and endurance. This design uses dual tiltrotors to cut down on power demands and fuel consumption during cruising, while also lowering noise levels, which enhances its stealth during low-altitude flights.

This platform builds on Archer’s expertise in developing air taxis and is designed to carry modular, heavy payloads, making it versatile for both commercial and defense sectors.

Shane Arnott, Anduril’s SVP of Pilot Control, emphasized the operational advantages Thunder brings by integrating advanced technology from the electric VTOL market. He described the collaboration with Archer as a major leap in capabilities.

Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, mentioned the necessity of a fresh design to truly meet the evolving demands of modern commercial and defense applications. He remarked that it wasn’t enough to modify an existing aircraft; instead, the focus was on creating a sophisticated vertical lift aircraft from the ground up.

The development team has successfully carried out multiple test flights with a full-scale prototype, which they see as a crucial step toward realizing Thunder’s features. The aircraft’s inaugural flight is scheduled for 2027. Archer is also anticipated to announce commercial partners for the civil version of the VTOL soon.