Anduril Industries UK said it will lead a team for upcoming programmes, including a bid for future flight opportunities, building on its existing partnership with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer. Anduril UK will receive additional support from technology companies Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRealis.
The companies will explore civil and defence applications in the UK using Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft. This includes explorations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, allowing for a wide range of UK-focussed civil and military use cases such as cargo operations.
Anduril will serve as the lead systems integrator incorporating software-defined mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control systems tailored for UK operational needs. Archer will act as the platform provider, adapting the Midnight platform for dual-use applications and continuing its work with Anduril on the planned hybrid aircraft.
Additionally, Archer noted that this marks the introduction of Archer's VTOL technologies to the UK market. The group will continue to work together on Archer and Anduril's previously announced hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft.