Anduril Unveils Thunder: A Hybrid-Electric Tiltrotor Drone aims to be a loyal wingman for helicopters
Anduril, in partnership with Archer Aviation, debuts Thunder — a Group 5 hybrid‑electric tiltrotor unmanned combat drone designed to fly as an autonomous wingman for crewed helicopters (e.g., Apache family and MV‑75 Cheyenne II). It features nap‑of‑the‑earth flight, a modular payload bay (missiles, launched effects, rocket pods, and interceptors), a hybrid propulsion system with Optimum‑Speed Tiltrotors to boost range and efficiency, and onboard AI with Lattice to coordinate in real time with host aircraft. The concept emphasizes mass, lower cost per unit than manned helicopters, and survivability in contested airspace, including defense against air‑to‑air drones and MANPADS. First flight is targeted next year with potential commercial variants with Archer; it faces competition from Boeing, Sikorsky, Bell, and UK NYX efforts as part of a broader loyal‑wingman market.