Archer and Anduril unveil hybrid VTOL aircraft for military missions
The Thunder aircraft pairs Archer’s air taxi work with Anduril’s defense focus and is planned for military and commercial roles.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Archer Aviation and Anduril have introduced a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called Thunder, The Verge reported. The aircraft matters because it shows an air taxi developer pushing its technology into defense work as the sector searches for uses beyond short urban passenger flights.
According to The Verge, San Jose-based Archer co-developed the aircraft with Anduril, the defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey. The companies said the platform is designed for both military and commercial applications.
Anduril presented Thunder on Monday at the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire, England, The Verge reported. Archer said it plans to show a commercial version of the aircraft later this week.
A hybrid aircraft with military ambitions
The Verge described Thunder as resembling a mix of Archer’s Midnight air taxi and a military VTOL aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey. The aircraft is intended to operate as a fully autonomous attack rotorcraft alongside crewed military aircraft, according to the report.
Thunder uses a series-hybrid powertrain, unlike Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which is fully electric, The Verge reported. Archer said the hybrid system is meant to give the aircraft much more range while preserving precise power control across different parts of flight.
According to Archer, potential uses for Thunder include military strikes, cargo transport, remote logistics and operations in difficult-to-access areas. The companies did not provide additional specifications in the details reported by The Verge.
Air taxi companies look beyond city routes
The Verge reported that electric aviation remains at an early stage, but companies in the sector are already trying to move beyond city-to-city air taxi service. Archer is one of the better-known startups in that field, according to The Verge.
The move toward hybrid systems reflects a broader push by air taxi companies to reach markets that need longer range than battery-only aircraft can usually provide, The Verge reported. Defense partnerships are also attracting air taxi companies as they seek ways to offset large losses, according to The Verge.
Thunder places Archer’s aircraft development inside that shift. Instead of focusing only on passenger service, the company is presenting a platform that can be pitched for defense, freight and remote operations, based on the roles Archer outlined.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.