Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Archer Aviation and Anduril announced an exclusive agreement in December 2024 to develop a hybrid vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft for defense use, while Archer announced an additional $430 million equity raise. In July 2026, the companies unveiled the platform and named its defense variant Thunder. They reported flights by full-scale surrogate aircraft—not Thunder—and said Thunder’s first flight was planned for 2027. Their announcements do not establish that the U.S. Department of Defense selected the aircraft or awarded the companies a contract.
What Archer and Anduril announced
On December 12, 2024, Archer and defense technology company Anduril announced an exclusive agreement to jointly develop a next-generation aircraft for defense applications. The first planned product was a hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft intended to compete for a potential U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) program of record. A program of record is a formal government acquisition program; describing it as a target does not mean the government selected the aircraft or committed to buy it. Archer’s December 2024 announcement framed the effort as a joint development initiative.
The companies described complementary roles: Archer would contribute VTOL aircraft development experience and commercial parts and supply chains, while Anduril would contribute expertise in AI, missionization and systems integration. These were the companies’ stated plans and capabilities, not an independent assessment of the aircraft or a government endorsement.
What the $430 million was for
Archer said it raised an additional $430 million in equity capital to support Archer Defense and for general corporate purposes. The company named longtime strategic partners Stellantis and United Airlines, as well as new institutional investors Wellington Management and 2PointZero, among participants. The announcement did not designate the entire amount as a project-specific budget for the Anduril aircraft.
#1 Best Overall
- IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s.
- Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision.
- Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions.
- Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included.
- Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage.
Archer also reported $502 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of 2024. That is historical balance-sheet context from the 2024 announcement, not a current cash figure. The later figures Archer reported for Q2 2026 were company-wide: $5.0 million in revenue, a $263.2 million net loss, and $1,560.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. They are not results for the Anduril program alone. Archer’s Q2 2026 results update reported those unaudited quarterly amounts.
How the aircraft effort developed
August 2025: additional engineering and manufacturing assets
In August 2025, Archer said it acquired a patent portfolio and hired key talent from Overair, a Karem Aircraft spin-off. It also acquired composite manufacturing assets and an approximately 60,000-square-foot facility from Mission Critical Composites. Archer said the moves would support in-house composite fabrication, rapid prototyping and iteration, and accelerate development. Those are Archer’s stated rationales, not evidence that a production line or operational aircraft was already in place. Archer’s August 2025 announcement also referenced a $13.4 billion DoD budget-request allocation for autonomous military systems. That figure described a budget request allocation, not a contract or award to Archer or Anduril.
Rank #2
- Experience the legendary F-14 Tomcat through a highly detailed model designed for aviation collectors and hobby enthusiasts. The finished model becomes a striking desktop or showcase centerpiece.
- This 3D puzzle is designed for beginner-level assembly enthusiasts, offering an immersive hands-on building experience that helps cultivate patience, concentration, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
- This product is manufactured using high-quality, environmentally friendly plastic and employs an ultra-fine etching process to ensure durability, structural precision, and realistic aircraft details.
- Encourages understanding of aircraft engineering concepts while improving hand-eye coordination and spatial thinking through engaging mechanical assembly.
- Ideal gift for childs, engineers, collectors, model builders, and puzzle lovers for birthdays, Children’s Day, Christmas, or special hobby occasions.
July 2026: platform and variants unveiled
On July 20, 2026, Archer and Anduril unveiled their jointly developed autonomous VTOL platform. They called the defense variant Thunder and described it as a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft with a series hybrid-electric powertrain, dual tiltrotors, vertical takeoff and landing followed by wingborne cruise, and configurable heavy payloads. The companies also characterized its range, endurance, operating cost, survivability and acoustic signature, but the reviewed announcements do not provide independent verification or a complete specification sheet with achieved figures. The July 2026 platform announcement reported multiple test flights with full-scale surrogate aircraft and stated that Thunder’s first flight was planned for 2027. A surrogate flight is not a Thunder flight.
Thunder and Halo: shared platform, different missions
Archer has described Halo as the commercial variant and Thunder as the defense variant. According to the company, they share an airframe, hybrid powertrain and core systems, while payload configuration depends on mission requirements. The announced information does not establish a complete side-by-side specification or verified performance comparison.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Revell Plastic Model Airplane Kit #85-5521 is skill level 4 and contains 165 parts. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Highly detailed cockpit with boarding ladder and clear canopy
- Pilot figure with realistic uniform details
- Model Scale 1:48
- Illustrated assembly instructions
| Variant | Intended mission | What Archer has disclosed | Development status in the reviewed updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | Defense | Autonomous platform; payload configuration depends on mission. Detailed achieved performance figures are not stated in the reviewed announcements. | Full-scale surrogate aircraft had flown; first Thunder flight was planned for 2027, according to the July 2026 announcement. |
| Halo | Commercial | Shares an airframe, hybrid powertrain and core systems with Thunder; payload configuration depends on mission. | The reviewed Q2 2026 update identifies it as the commercial variant but does not provide a complete development schedule. |
Archer characterized the shared platform as designed for low-cost, high-volume production. That is a design intent, not proof that the aircraft has reached production or that those costs and volumes have been achieved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did the Pentagon award Archer and Anduril a contract?
The reviewed announcements do not confirm a DoD selection, contract award or program-of-record decision for the aircraft. In its 2025 announcement, Archer explicitly cautioned that selection for a government program was uncertain. The $13.4 billion figure cited there was a budget-request allocation for autonomous military systems, not money awarded to these companies. The partnership’s stated objective was to target a potential program; it should not be read as evidence of government procurement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- QUICK SNAP-FIT ASSEMBLY — No glue, no mess: every precision-engineered piece clicks firmly into place so builders of all skill levels may complete their A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog in one satisfying session without extra tools or adhesives.
- AUTHENTIC WARBIRD DETAIL — Faithfully recreates the iconic twin-engine, straight-wing attack jet with raised panel lines, movable control surfaces, and characteristic GAU-8 cannon nose for a display-ready replica straight out of the box.
- STEM-FRIENDLY BUILDING EXPERIENCE — The numbered part system and illustrated step-by-step guide introduce basic aerospace engineering concepts, supporting spatial reasoning and fine-motor development for builders ages 8 and up.
- DURABLE ABS CONSTRUCTION — High-impact ABS plastic parts resist warping and breakage, ensuring the finished model withstands shelf display, light handling, and proud show-and-tell moments for years to come.
- GREAT VALUE GIFT UNDER $25 — Thoughtfully packaged and priced at $21.99, this building set makes an ideal birthday, holiday, or any-occasion gift for aviation fans, military history enthusiasts, and hobbyist model builders alike.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
