Anduril & Archer Aviation has launched a new VTOL Swaterbang combat aircraft platform for defense and commercial use. The defense variant of the aircraft is called Thunder, a combat aircraft with vertical takeoff capability that can operate alongside fighter aircraft flown by human crews.
The platform is considered an upgrade to existing capabilities by combining speed, range, payload capacity during operation and better operating costs than conventional propeller aircraft
In a video shared by Anduril, it shows Thunder operating alongside Apache combat helicopters. On the battlefield, a human crew directs Thunder into enemy territory to launch mini-drones for border surveillance before the main group arrives.
When attacked by SAM systems or drones, Thunder can launch a repelling system or direct a secondary drone to self-destruct. The Thunder and Apache will then work together to destroy enemy weapon systems.
The platform is designed to carry modular payloads according to mission requirements or commercial purposes. Thunder can store ASM, AAM, rocket and secondary drone weapons in the main cargo bay. A drone attack deterrent system is stored in the nose cargo bay.
In addition to being used as a combat aircraft, the platform could be used for commercial purposes such as flying taxis or delivery drones. Archer Aviation has been developing flying taxis since 2018 with their Midnight VTOL aircraft, which they aim to enter service during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The system uses hybrid-electric power to provide long range and longer endurance during operations. Two inclined propellers are used for thrust and the aircraft will fly like a conventional aircraft using wings in horizontal flight mode.
Several flight tests with a full-scale replacement aircraft have been completed. The first flight of the Thunder is scheduled for 2027. Archer will announce its first commercial customer this week.
