Archer Aviation Unveils Thunder Hybrid Aircraft at Farnborough Airshow

Archer Aviation unveiled the Thunder hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire, England, on July 20, 2026. The Verge reported that the aircraft was co-developed with Anduril, a defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey. The Thunder uses a series hybrid powertrain that differs from Archer's fully electric Midnight air taxi.

The Verge reported that the hybrid system is intended to deliver longer range while maintaining precision across flight conditions. Archer plans to unveil a commercial version of the Thunder later in the week. The Verge reported that Archer foresees the Thunder for military strikes, cargo shipment, remote logistics, and operations in hard-to-reach locations.

In 2025, Archer said it would license its electric vertical takeoff and landing technology to Anduril, including supplying its electric powertrain and other technology to Anduril's Omen drone program. Archer has also delivered one of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft to the U.S. Air Force as part of an evaluation program.

7 million in the first quarter of 2026 on $1.6 million in revenue. Archer has stated it intends to launch its air taxi service as soon as 2026, with the first market likely to be Abu Dhabi.