Anduril Industries UK is expanding its partnership with aerospace company Archer on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, adding Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis to the team. The group will search for opportunities on U.K. civilian and defense applications for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft.
Anduril will lead as the aircraft’s software integrator for mission autonomy, communications, and command and control systems. The team will use Archer’s Midnight platform to fulfill U.K. requirements for operations beyond visual line of sight and rapid logistics response, including cargo deliveries.
Anduril and Archer announced their initial partnership in December for a hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft geared as a potential program of record from the U.S. Department of Defense. With the new team-up, Anduril will introduce Archer’s broader VTOL technologies to U.K. customers. The group will also pursue joint efforts on the earlier Archer-Anduril collaboration for a hybrid propulsion VTOL aircraft.
New Partner Contributions
AtkinsRéalis, recently appointed by the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority as the first approved assessor of commercial drones, will contribute its know-how to safely and efficiently adopt novel aviation technologies into U.K. airspace. Skyports Drone Services, on the other hand, will bring its operational experience in delivering BVLOS capabilities to various customers, including the Royal Mail and the National Health Service.
Rich Drake, Anduril UK’s managing director, said the partnership unlocks defense and civilian opportunities, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and military surveillance applications. “Introducing Archer to the U.K., alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility,” the executive said.
Verity Richardson, Archer’s head of U.K. business development, noted that the expanded team advances the next phase of the company’s partnership with Anduril. “There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here in the [United Kingdom] and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft, and we look forward to making it a reality,” she said.