Archer and Anduril unveil electric air taxi for military use

Electric aviation startup Archer Aviation has partnered with defense technology firm Anduril to develop a new vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, dubbed the Thunder, designed for both military and commercial use. The companies unveiled the aircraft on Monday at the Farnborough International Airshow, marking a significant step in the militarization of electric air taxi technology.

The Thunder is a variant of Archer's Midnight air taxi, but with a design that resembles a cross between the original and a military aircraft like the V-22 Osprey. Archer, based in San Jose, California, is one of the leading players in the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market, which has primarily focused on urban air mobility. Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey, specializes in defense technology.

This collaboration matters because it signals a shift in the eVTOL industry from purely commercial applications, such as air taxi services, to military uses. The Thunder is intended for missions including logistics, surveillance, and potentially troop transport, expanding the potential market for electric aircraft beyond city skies. The partnership also highlights how defense contracts could accelerate development and deployment of these technologies.

Archer and Anduril did not disclose specific performance figures or a timeline for the Thunder's production. However, the aircraft is expected to leverage Archer's existing eVTOL technology, including its electric propulsion system and battery technology. The companies stated that the platform is designed for both military and commercial operations, suggesting a dual-use strategy.

The announcement comes as the U.S. Department of Defense has shown increasing interest in electric aircraft for silent, low-heat operations. Archer previously secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force under its Agility Prime program. The next steps likely involve further testing and potential military evaluations, though no specific contracts have been announced. The partnership could also influence other eVTOL developers to explore defense applications.