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Jul 20, 2026 · Archive
Tech

Anduril Unveils Pilotless Attack Rotorcraft To Fly Beside Apache Crews

Built with Archer Aviation, Thunder tilts from vertical liftoff into wingborne cruise, flying strikes, patrol and rescue missions autonomously.

  • Group 5 status means over 1,320 pounds takeoff weight and flight above 18,000 feet.
  • Thunder flies formation beside crewed AH-64 Apache and MV-75 Cheyenne II aircraft.
  • Anduril's Lattice software runs formation timing, routing, tasking and deconfliction with no pilot aboard.

Why it matters: Autonomy removes the pilot, not the chain of command; the drone still fires only for whoever controls the formation.

Anduril Industries — "Introducing Thunder: Autonomous Attack Rotorcraft for the Near-Surface Fight" ↗ · Jul 20, 20267/20/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check