Apache could soon be rolling with Thunder – an autonomous loyal tilt-rotor wingman

The AH-64 Apache is the world's primary attack helicopter – and if manufacturer Anduril has its way the aircraft could be made more lethal and survivable thanks to a new type of loyal wingman.

The Anduril Thunder, which was launched at the Farnborough International Air show, is a hybrid-electric tilt-rotor drone.

It's designed to fly alongside crewed helicopters like the Apache.

• JAS 39 Gripen: The highly manoeuvrable multi-role fighter that can land on roads
• F-35 Lightning? Lightning II? Hold on, just how many times does Lightning strike?
• Combat Archer: US Air Force's premier fighter weapons evaluation exercise in Europe

Many benefits

Richard Drake, the general manager of Anduril UK, explained how two to three Thunders could accompany each Apache.

He said the Thunders could fly ahead into harm's way, reducing the risk to the crewed helicopter.

And because the Thunders are able to get closer to the enemy, Mr Drake said that meant they could employ cheaper shorter-range munitions rather than expensive stand-off rockets or missiles.

The tilt-rotor design has plenty of pluses. Like the helicopter, it can take off and land virtually anywhere.

But when flying with the rotors down it can cruise like a normal plane – giving it a much greater range than traditional helicopters.

You can be my wingman

The Thunder is expected to take its first flight next year. But the wingman concept is already operating in the fast jet arena.

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, for example, is built in Australia and the concept is very similar to the Thunder.

More than 35 Australian companies have contributed to the Ghost Bat programme.

It is the first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years.

The entire nose section can be removed and quickly swapped for another with a different payload for various missions including combat, force reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

As with the Thunder, it creates a smart, versatile human-machine team.

And autonomous fighters designed to work alongside crewed counterparts is a significant trend in the defence manufacturing sector, with several companies and governments driving forward their own systems.

The future looks set to included crewed and uncrewed platforms collaborating in air combat.