Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries partner to develop the Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft for military and commercial use.

Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries have partnered to develop "Thunder," a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft designed for both defense and commercial applications. The hybrid-electric vehicle functions as an autonomous "slave" aircraft, intended to perform high-risk tasks alongside manned helicopters and transport-assault aircraft. The Thunder features a modular design that allows it to carry precision munitions, rockets, and electronic warfare payloads. It can take off vertically like a helicopter but fly with the range of an airplane. By operating alongside a single Apache helicopter, three Thunders can provide triple the ammunition without requiring additional crews. The administration's growing reliance on drone warfare in conflicts like Ukraine has accelerated the demand for such technology. Archer Aviation shares rose over 10% following the announcement, as the company seeks to expand beyond urban air mobility into the larger defense market. The first flight of the Thunder is scheduled for 2027, with the companies aiming to secure aircraft certification by 2028.

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