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Anduril Thunder & Halo tilt‑rotor VTOL platform
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2026-07-27 01:48 UTC → 2026-07-29 05:22 UTC ·
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Anduril Thunder tilt‑rotor UAV and & Halo tilt‑rotor VTOL platform
At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, Anduril Industries and electric‑aircraft maker Archer Aviation unveiled the Thunder, a hybrid‑electric tilt‑rotor VTOL aircraft marketed as an autonomous "loyal‑wingman" “loyal‑wingman” to operate alongside crewed attack helicopters such as the AH‑64 Apache and the U.S. Army’s future Bell MV‑75. The platform can carry up to ten air‑to‑ground missiles or 76 guided rockets and incorporates electronic‑warfare suites for counter‑drone protection. Designed around a hybrid powertrain and dual tilt‑rotors, Thunder promises increased range, endurance and a low acoustic signature. A first flight is scheduled for 2027, though no customers or pricing have been disclosed. During the same week, Archer announced the launch of Halo, a commercial autonomous VTOL aircraft variant, Halo, that uses the same dual‑tilt‑rotor airframe as Thunder. Halo employs and a series‑hybrid electric powertrain, system, offering higher efficiency, reduced fuel burn and quieter operation. It is designed for containerized transport Both variants share a modular payload bay and a hybrid‑electric powertrain that couples electric motors with a fuel‑based generator, extending endurance while keeping noise low. Archer cited eight years of eVTOL development behind the design. Halo targets offshore‑energy resupply, heavy freight, humanitarian aid, medical cargo and maritime missions. missions, with Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Aerospace was named a as the first strategic launch partner for market research and future introductions. The commercial variant reflects the broader push to leverage the Thunder platform for both defence and civilian logistics applications, underscoring a trend toward high‑volume, affordable autonomous aerial systems. Both announcements illustrate a coordinated effort by Anduril and Archer to create showcases a versatile, low‑cost tilt‑rotor family that can serve Western militaries for both defence and commercial operators alike. civilian logistics.
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- 2026-07-29 05:22 UTC Anduril Thunder & Halo tilt‑rotor VTOL platform
- 2026-07-27 01:48 UTC Anduril Thunder tilt‑rotor UAV and Halo VTOL
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