Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Archer, Anduril to Pitch DOD on ‘Next-Generation’ Defense Aircraft

Air taxi manufacturer and autonomous systems developer partner to develop a hybrid-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 09:00 AM ET

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Electric VTOL air taxi manufacturer Archer and autonomous systems developer Anduril are partnering to develop a “next-generation” hybrid-powered aircraft. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation is partnering with autonomous systems developer Anduril to design a new hybrid-powered, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
This new "Archer Defense" initiative is backed by $430 million in recently raised equity capital, combining Archer's VTOL aircraft manufacturing with Anduril's expertise in artificial intelligence.
The DOD has already demonstrated significant interest in Archer's fully electric Midnight air taxi, with the Air Force currently evaluating the first of six units for potential military applications.

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Archer Aviation—the manufacturer of a five-seat electric air taxi that takes off vertically like a helicopter but cruises on fixed wings like an airplane—is partnering up with autonomous systems developer Anduril to design a hybrid-powered, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft intended for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The aircraft, which according to a media release is being designed for “critical defense

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.