Archer unveils Halo autonomous aircraft, names Marubeni Aerospace as launch partner

Archer Aviation (ACHR) unveiled Halo, the commercial version of a new autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft platform developed with defense technology company Anduril, at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The announcement follows Anduril's introduction of the defense version of the aircraft, called Thunder, earlier this week. The two aircraft share the same airframe, hybrid-electric propulsion system and core technologies, while using different payload configurations for commercial and military missions.

The Farnborough International Airshow is traditionally one of the aerospace industry's largest venues for announcing commercial aircraft orders. Investors also monitor the event for partnerships, technology launches and developments in emerging aviation markets such as electric aircraft and autonomous flight.

Hybrid-electric platform

Archer said Halo is based on technology developed during eight years of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft research and testing.

The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric powertrain paired with dual tiltrotors, which are designed to improve efficiency during different phases of flight while reducing noise during takeoff, landing and low-altitude operations.

According to the company, the aircraft is designed for long-range missions, can transport heavy payloads and operates autonomously without a pilot. Archer said the aircraft can also be transported in a standard shipping container for deployment by air, road, rail or sea.

The company said the platform is intended to support high-volume production using commercial supply chains.

Target markets

Archer said Halo is designed for applications including offshore energy logistics, freight transportation, humanitarian aid, medical cargo delivery and maritime operations.

The aircraft is intended to carry cargo over long distances to locations that do not have runways while reducing operating costs compared with conventional aircraft.

Launch partner announced

Archer also named Marubeni Aerospace Corporation as its first strategic launch partner for Halo.

The companies said they will work together on market research, identifying commercial applications and evaluating future deployment of the aircraft.

Marubeni Aerospace is part of Japan's Marubeni Corporation and represents several international aircraft and helicopter manufacturers.