Anduril and Archer Aviation Develop Autonomous Military Rotorcraft

Defense technology company Anduril Industries and electric aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation have announced a partnership to develop an autonomous aircraft platform for both military and commercial applications during the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

Anduril Industries and Archer Aviation unveiled plans for the autonomous Thunder military rotorcraft. [Photo: © Archer Aviation]

The military variant, named Thunder, is designed as a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft intended to complement crewed aircraft such as Boeing's AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

"Group 5" is the U.S. Department of Defense's classification for the largest category of unmanned aircraft systems.

The companies said Thunder is expected to make its first flight next year.

Archer plans to unveil the commercial version of the aircraft platform later this week.

The company is best known for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

In 2021, Archer reached an agreement with United Airlines to supply 100 Midnight eVTOL aircraft, which are intended to provide short urban flights, including airport connections serving New York City's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports.

Archer said its Midnight aircraft is aiming to receive full Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification as early as next year.