Archer Aviation shares rose Monday after the company unveiled a dual-use autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft platform--designed for both commercial and defense applications--that it jointly developed with Anduril Industries.

Archer shares were recently up 11% at $4.93.

Archer and Anduril, a defense-technology firm, said the platform's Thunder defense configuration is a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft designed to augment current and next-generation crewed attack and assault aircraft.

The companies said the series hybrid-electric platform combines vertical takeoff and landing capability with wingborne cruise flight, enabling runway-independent operations while providing the speed, range, payload capacity and operating cost needed for defense and commercial missions.

The platform uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system and dual tiltrotors designed to improve efficiency across flight conditions, extend range and reduce acoustic signature during low-altitude operations, the companies said.

Archer and Anduril said they have completed multiple test flights using full-scale surrogate aircraft and that they expect Thunder to make its first flight in 2027.

The companies said the platform is designed to support a range of defense and commercial missions through modular, heavy payload capabilities. Archer said it plans to announce its first commercial partners for the platform later this week.

Financial terms of the partnership weren't disclosed.

Write to Anvee Bhutani at anvee.bhutani@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 20, 2026 11:21 ET (15:21 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.