Anduril Industries unveiled Thunder, a Level 5 autonomous attack helicopter designed to enhance combat effectiveness of current and next-generation manned attack aircraft while providing protection for these systems. The company has completed multiple test flights on full-scale prototypes, with the first full-scale flight scheduled for 2027.

Thunder's core design features include extended-range strike capability, tiltrotor configuration, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. The platform operates without the range limitations of conventional helicopters and can conduct operations from unprepared areas independent of airfields. A series hybrid-electric propulsion system enables the aircraft to achieve effective range and extended endurance, while the Optimum-Speed Tiltrotors (OSTR) system reduces fuel consumption during cruise flight and minimizes acoustic signature during low-altitude missions, extending loiter time.

The platform can be loaded into standard shipping containers for transport via air, ground, rail, or sea, enabling rapid deployment to any operational theater. The modular internal main payload bay and nose payload module accommodate precision-guided munitions, air-launched systems, rockets, electronic warfare payloads, and counter-UAS effectors. Thunder can carry 10 air-to-ground missiles (such as Hellfire, JAGM, or Barracuda-100M), 16 air-launched systems (exemplified by Altius-600), or 76 70mm rockets. The nose module accommodates 12 counter-UAS effectors.

Anduril's Lattice for Mission Autonomy software enables Thunder to operate safely and cooperatively in the presence of manned aircraft, providing formation behaviors, separation management, and flight logic. Lattice translates operator intent into machine-speed routing, timing, task allocation, and collision avoidance decisions, eliminating the need for pilots to manage traditional control inputs and allowing them to focus on critical strategic decisions. Teaming capability enables multiple Thunder aircraft to be paired with a single manned platform, allowing units to engage more targets, sustain operations longer, and keep crews at safe distances from threats.

Anduril Industries positions Thunder as a cost-effective solution across various operational theaters. The platform provides the payload capacity and flexibility required for missile carriage, air-launched systems primary platform, maritime patrol missions, or logistics operations. The aircraft's design prioritizes survivability, speed, and range to meet critical operational requirements for deep operations.