Archer Aviation

Defense company Anduril and air taxi startup Archer Aviation have partnered to develop autonomous attack drones, unveiling a new aircraft on Monday.

The U.S. federal government, in partnership with Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, and Macquarie Capital, is rolling out a national electric aircraft charging network to support advanced air mobility by 2030. The initiative includes deploying 250 aviation sites with compatible charging infrastructure, focusing on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as part of the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program led by the Department of Transportation and FAA.

Anduril, in partnership with Archer Aviation, unveiled Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft designed to operate alongside crewed attack helicopters like the Apache and Cheyenne II. The hybrid-electric tilt-rotor aircraft features modular payload bays and mission capabilities including fire support, ISR, and counter-drone operations.

Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, leading U.S. air taxi companies, are engaged in legal disputes over corporate espionage and concealed ties to China. Archer later filed a patent infringement lawsuit against rival Vertical A.

Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Beta Technologies are competing to commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying taxis, with Joby and Archer targeting 2026 certification. They face challenges like regulatory approval, infrastructure development, and public acceptance, while their stocks have declined this year as investors prioritize certification and commercialization proof.