Anduril unveils autonomous attack rotorcraft Thunder at Farnborough Airshow

Published Jul 20, 02:01 PM UTC

Anduril Industries unveiled the Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft, at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow. Developed in partnership with Archer Aviation, the Group 5 vertical take-off and landing aircraft features a hybrid-electric powertrain and tilt rotors, designed to operate alongside crewed attack helicopters like the Apache and Cheyenne II. The Thunder uses Anduril's Lattice for Mission Autonomy software for autonomous flight and formation management, eliminating the need for pilot control. Its modular payload bays can carry precision munitions, electronic warfare payloads, rockets, and counter-drone munitions, with configurable loads including 10 air-to-ground missiles or 76 70mm rockets. Missions include fire support, ISR, maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and contested logistics. Anduril targets a first flight in 2027; no price has been announced.