Anduril unveils Thunder autonomous attack rotorcraft to fly alongside Apache helicopters

Published Jul 20, 11:30 AM UTC

Anduril has unveiled Thunder, a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft designed to fly alongside crewed Apache attack helicopters, multiplying combat power while reducing risk to pilots. The tiltrotor can carry ten Hellfire-class missiles or 76 70mm rockets, with first flight planned for 2027. Thunder is a defense-specific variant of a dual-use platform co-developed with Archer Aviation, featuring a series hybrid-electric powertrain and tiltrotor configuration for vertical take-off and landing and efficient cruise. The aircraft runs Anduril's Lattice for Mission Autonomy software, enabling pilots to direct the drone through intent rather than manual controls. Anduril says three Thunders paired with each Apache would give a Combat Aviation Brigade a threefold increase in available munitions at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent crewed formation. The launch follows Anduril winning the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program contract with its FQ-44, extending autonomous teaming concepts to attack aviation.