Aerial Taxi: War First, Then Cities. All a Matter of Profit

Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries showcased the Thunder at the Farnborough Airshow, a new autonomous VTOL aircraft that combines features of civil eVTOLs with those of military vertical takeoff aircraft. The project arises from the collaboration between the California startup specializing in electric air taxis and the company founded by Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus VR, aiming to develop a platform intended for both defense purposes and future commercial applications.

Thunder is derived from Archer's Midnight eVTOL but introduces a fundamental technical difference: instead of fully electric propulsion, it uses a series hybrid powertrain. This solution significantly increases range while maintaining precise power control during all phases of flight.

According to Archer, Thunder's hybrid system allows for optimizing energy based on various operational conditions, which is essential for missions requiring longer flights than the traditional urban commutes of air taxis.

The new aircraft is designed as an autonomous attack rotorcraft, capable of operating alongside manned military aircraft. Anticipated applications include attack operations, cargo transport, remote logistics, and missions in hard-to-reach areas.

Aesthetically, Thunder draws inspiration from both the Midnight design and more traditional military VTOL aircraft like the V-22 Osprey, featuring typical elements of eVTOLs in a configuration better suited for complex operational uses.

Archer's decision to enter the defense sector reflects an increasingly evident trend among eVTOL companies: expanding their market beyond urban transport. The necessary authorizations to launch commercial air taxi services take a long time, so many startups are seeking new revenue sources through military partnerships.

In the first quarter of 2026, Archer reported a loss of $217.7 million, with revenues of $1.6 million. The company nonetheless confirmed its intention to launch its air taxi service by 2026, with Abu Dhabi indicated as a potential first operational market.

The collaboration with Anduril is not entirely new; in 2025, Archer had previously announced licensing its eVTOL technology to Anduril, including the electric propulsion system and other components intended for the Omen drone program. Additionally, a Midnight eVTOL had already been delivered to the U.S. Air Force as part of an evaluation program.

Archer announced that in the coming days, it would also present a commercial version of Thunder, signaling that the platform could become the basis for a new generation of VTOL aircraft intended not only for defense but also for cargo transport and advanced logistics.