Anduril, the defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey, and Archer Aviation are developing a hybrid-electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft for defense use. They unveiled its defense variant, named Thunder, in July 2026. Their partnership is not evidence that the U.S. Department of Defense has selected the aircraft or awarded a production contract.
What Anduril and Archer agreed to build
On December 12, 2024, Archer and Anduril announced an exclusive agreement to jointly develop a next-generation defense aircraft. They described the first product as a hybrid-propulsion vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft aimed at a potential U.S. Department of Defense program of record. Archer said its Archer Defense program would lead its work on the effort. Archer’s announcement also disclosed an additional $430 million equity raise. That was company financing, not the aircraft’s price or a sum identified as exclusively for the aircraft program.
Thunder is the defense variant; Halo is commercial
On July 20, 2026, the companies unveiled their jointly developed autonomous VTOL platform at the Farnborough International Airshow. Anduril presented the defense variant as Thunder. Archer calls its commercial variant Halo. In Archer’s August 2026 SEC-filed results, it said the variants share an airframe, hybrid powertrain and core systems, while allowing mission-configurable payloads. The sources do not provide enough comparable specifications to rank the variants by speed, range, payload, cost or readiness. Archer’s SEC-filed results
What the companies say Thunder is designed to do
The announced design is an autonomous, series hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft with dual tiltrotors. The concept combines vertical takeoff and landing with wingborne cruise. The companies say the powertrain is intended to provide range and endurance, and that the tiltrotor system varies rotor speed to optimize performance across flight regimes. They also describe modular heavy payloads and the ability to operate from austere locations without a runway. These are company descriptions of intended capabilities; the cited announcement does not provide independently validated performance data or a complete aircraft specification. The unveiling announcement
#1 Best Overall
- Revell Model Kit #85-5996, Skill Level 4, Contains 75-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Includes pilot figure. Detailed cockpit.
- USAF Thunderbird decal scheme.
- Optional bombs with service transport cart.
- Molded in light gray and clear. Paint and glue required(not included).
Axios reported that Anduril senior vice president Shane Arnott described armed reconnaissance as a design use and discussed possible payloads. Those are attributed company comments, not an independently audited specification. The reviewed sources do not establish Thunder’s confirmed unit cost or a published customer list. Axios’s report on the unveiling
What has been tested—and what has not
Archer and Anduril said they had completed multiple test flights with full-scale surrogate aircraft. They planned Thunder’s first flight for 2027. A surrogate is not Thunder itself, and the announcement describes the first flight as a future plan—not a completed milestone. The public statements cited here do not establish that Thunder has flown. Archer and Anduril’s announcement
Rank #2
- Enjoy building and displaying this 1/72 F-15EX Eagle II plastic model kit for adult and teen that is a snap together model plane kit no glue no paint. Designed as a USAF military fighter jet toy for boys and kids, it features an opening canopy, movable rudder, and pop-up airbrake for action posing. The 44 piece quick assembly plastic airplane kit with hidden storage stand tucks away spare landing gear and intake parts, making it a top desk display military aircraft model for aviation collector.
- This replica captures the USAF F-15EX Eagle II next generation air superiority fighter model, the newest American strike fighter plastic model kit for history buff. Built to replace the legendary Eagle, the Eagle II warplane collectible for shelf display is a must-have modern jet fighter model for collector and US Air Force desktop plane for office decor. Own a piece of air power history with this detailed F-15EX Eagle II scale replica for adult hobby enthusiast.
- Switch between ground attack stance display model with landing gear down and in flight nose down tilt pose with retracted gear using the swappable landing gear fighter model kit for dynamic display. Includes two styles of rectangular air intake for customizable jet model look, and all extra parts store inside the hidden compartment display stand for snap build airplane model. This snap fighter kit with removable gear and dual intakes delivers multiple poseable display modes for plastic model aircraft collector, creating a standout interactive warplane model for desk shelf.
- This 1/72 scale snap model plane measures 27cm long, 18cm wingspan, and 8.5cm tall, weighing just 210g. The fast easy build no tools needed hobby project for teen and adult beginners assembles from 44 pieces into a pre-colored plastic aircraft model for home decor. Perfect as a desk shelf office display model or a striking man cave desktop fighter jet replica, it’s an easy assembly jet fighter model for casual model fan and a bold 27cm long US Eagle model for display cabinet.
- Looking for an aviation model gift for men, boys, and kids who love airplanes? This easy assembly US fighter jet model birthday present for son also fits as F-15EX Eagle II Christmas gift for dad or Fathers Day surprise warplane model for husband. It serves as a hands on STEM building toy for children and adults away from screens, ideal as screen free hobby prize for teenager or beginner model kit for scale fighter plane replica collector. A must-have Eagle II collectible model for military enthusiast.
How Archer has built out its defense effort
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 assets would support rapid prototyping and iteration for its defense program. Archer’s acquisition announcement
In its August 2026 SEC-filed results, Archer described the joint Halo/Thunder platform as designed for low-cost, high-volume production using commercial supply chains. That is Archer’s stated design and production approach; it is not evidence that those costs or production volumes have been achieved.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 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.
Does the partnership mean the Pentagon has ordered Thunder?
No. The December 2024 announcement described a target of a potential Department of Defense program of record and explicitly cautioned that the program might not materialize and that the aircraft might not be selected. The partnership announcement does not document a government award, production order or selection. The reviewed sources do not establish a later program-of-record selection or customer commitment for Thunder.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- HISTORIC D-DAY DECALS: Build a faithful 1:48 scale model replica of the iconic WWII C-47 Skytrain military transport plane. Every model kit includes a full-color decal sheet to accurately model the famous "That's All Brother" lead aircraft—complete with its distinctive black-and-white invasion stripes—or the alternative "Night Fright" livery.
- INTRICATE COCKPIT & CABIN DETAIL: Immerse yourself in a highly detailed interior layout engineered for history enthusiasts. The multi-room interior assembly features a full cockpit layout, authentic troop benches, a rear washroom compartment, and a specialized navigator's desk.
- 12 SCALE MILITARY FIGURES: Bring your static wartime aviation diorama to life with twelve finely sculpted plastic scale figures included inside the box of the model building kit. The set comes equipped with three distinct flight crew members and nine fully detailed paratrooper figures ready for deployment layouts.
- CUSTOMIZABLE CARGO DOORS: Tailor your final military display layout by customizing the fuselage entryways. The rear cargo doors are engineered to be structurally fixed in either a wide-open position or a completely closed position to suit your preference.
- SKILL LEVEL 4 SPECIFICATIONS: Designed for experienced scale modelers ages 12 and up, this 102-part hobby set yields a commanding display piece measuring 16.0 inches long with an impressive 23.625-inch wingspan. Parts come molded in olive drab and clear; plastic model cement and paint are required for completion and sold separately.
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.
