Thunder

Thunder is a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft developed by Anduril with Archer Aviation for armed reconnaissance and teaming with crewed attack and assault aircraft. The series hybrid-electric tiltrotor has modular payload bays and is intended for runway-independent operations; first flight is planned for 2027.

Facts

  • Company: Anduril Industries
  • Type: Autonomous Attack Rotorcraft
  • Core: Armed reconnaissance
  • Function: Scout and strike
  • Audience: Defence aviation operators
  • Status: Development
  • Website: https://www.anduril.com/thunder

About

About Thunder

Thunder is a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft developed by Anduril with Archer Aviation. Its dual-tiltrotor, series-hybrid architecture is intended for armed reconnaissance, strike and teaming with crewed attack and assault aircraft.

The aircraft uses modular payload bays and runway-independent operation for expeditionary missions. Anduril plans first flight in 2027, making Thunder an announced development programme with no currently operating combat fleet.

Specifications

  • Propulsion: Series hybrid-electric
  • Configuration: Dual optimum-speed tiltrotor

Market context

Defence aviation operators

  • Peer Group: Combat Aircraft UAV
  • Capability: VTOL unmanned aircraft, Autonomous navigation
  • Deployment Environment: Defence operational environment

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Capabilities

  • Capability areas: VTOL unmanned aircraft, Autonomous navigation
  • Operating environments: Defence operational environment
  • Target markets: Defence

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Timeline

  • Anduril and Archer unveil Thunder autonomous attack rotorcraft - 2026-07-20 - Product Launch - Thunder combines a series hybrid-electric powertrain with dual optimum-speed tiltrotors for runway-independent vertical lift and wingborne cruise. The Group 5 aircraft is designed for armed reconnaissance, modular strike… - source: anduril.com

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