Archer Aviation launches Halo autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft

Archer Aviation announced Halo, a commercial autonomous vertical‑take‑off‑and‑landing (VTOL) aircraft built on a dual‑use platform developed together with defense technology firm Anduril. The same airframe underpins Anduril's military variant, Thunder, which was unveiled at the Farnsworth International Airshow.

Halo uses a series‑hybrid electric powertrain with dual tilt‑rotors that adjust RPM for efficiency, extending range and payload capacity while reducing fuel burn and noise. The aircraft can be shipped in a standard container for transport by air, road, rail or sea, enabling global deployment. Archer cited target markets such as offshore‑energy resupply, heavy freight, humanitarian and medical cargo delivery, and maritime operations.

Marubeni Aerospace, a subsidiary of Japan’s Marubeni Corp, was named as a strategic launch partner to pursue market research and future introductions. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said the eight‑year development effort produced “the most sophisticated vertical lift aircraft platform ever developed” and highlighted the benefits of unmanned, autonomous flight in cutting costs and improving safety.