ACHR jumps after unveiling autonomous defense and commercial VTOL platforms, though shares remain down 37% year to date.
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) shares rose following the announcement of two new autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed with defense technology firm Anduril. The platforms, named Thunder and Halo, target defense and commercial markets, respectively, with first flights expected next year.
Despite the positive development, Archer’s stock has declined 37% year to date. The company is also advancing certification for its piloted Midnight eVTOL, designed for air taxi services. CEO Adam Goldstein called the new platform the “most sophisticated vertical lift aircraft ever developed.”
The partnership aims to expand Archer’s market opportunities, though the broader eVTOL sector remains under pressure amid regulatory and commercialization challenges.