Archer Aviation shares rise after unveiling an autonomous VTOL aircraft with Anduril, targeting first flight in 2027.
Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) shares climbed 14% to $5.06 after announcing a partnership with defense technology firm Anduril to develop “Thunder,” an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The platform, revealed at the Farnborough Airshow, aims for its first flight in 2027.
The stock’s gain contrasts with a challenging year for pre-revenue eVTOL companies, with Archer down 41% year-to-date. Peers Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) and EHang Holdings (NASDAQ:EH) also saw modest gains, up 2% and 1% to $7.41 and $5.17, respectively, despite broader sector weakness.
Archer plans to announce Thunder’s first commercial customers this week, with market focus on whether deals include firm orders or letters of intent.