Shield AI Advances X-BAT VTOL Drone Development with New Funding and Prototypes
- Published
- Source
- TheWarZone
Shield AI is set to unveil the first prototypes of its X-BAT jet-powered stealth drone by the end of October. This uncrewed aircraft, designed for vertical takeoff and landing, is part of the U.S. Navy's Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program, which aims to enhance operational capabilities. The company has secured an additional $150 million in funding, bringing the total investment to $400 million, which includes previous contributions from the Navy and Shield AI's internal funding.
The significance of the X-BAT lies in its ambitious design and operational goals, targeting a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles and a combat radius potentially exceeding that of the F-35. The drone's modular design allows for various mission capabilities, including air-to-air combat and electronic warfare, making it a versatile asset for future military engagements. The integration of advanced technologies, such as the General Electric F110 engine and Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle, further enhances its performance.
Looking ahead, Shield AI plans to commence flight testing of the X-BAT prototypes before the end of the year. The company emphasizes the importance of multi-role capabilities in modern warfare, suggesting that the X-BAT will adapt to evolving combat scenarios over the next decade. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Navy Doubles Down On X-BAT VTOL ‘Fighter’ Drone Development
TheWarZone · Joseph TrevithickThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
Rights concerns? Contact [email protected] with the relevant URL and details. We will review the matter and take appropriate action where warranted.
More related news
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Related Suppliers
Shield AI
United States
US defense AI company building Hivemind — an autonomous AI pilot for military aircraft and drones operating without GPS or comms links.
Manly Robot Technology Co. Ltd.
China
Chinese manufacturer of educational competition robots and STEM robotics kits for school and tournament use.
RobotPhoenix 翼菲科技
China
RobotPhoenix is a Chinese industrial-robot manufacturer (HKEX: 06871) making Delta, SCARA and 6-axis robots for high-speed picking, packing and palletizing.
Saronic Technologies
United States
Austin-based defense tech company building autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Navy, from 6-ft scout drones to 180-ft multi-mission ships.
Cellula Robotics Ltd.
Canada
Cellula Robotics builds hydrogen fuel-cell and battery AUVs (Guardian, Envoy) reaching up to 5,000 km range for defense and energy survey.
Air VEV
Israel
Israeli developer of the AIR ONE two-seat personal eVTOL and an unmanned cargo aircraft using its patented Fly-By-Intent flight control.
Electra
United States
Virginia eSTOL aircraft maker whose hybrid-electric EL9 needs only 150 feet to take off, backed by Lockheed Martin, Safran, and Honeywell.
Teal Drones
United States
Teal Drones builds American-made military-grade small UAS for defense reconnaissance and national security, now a Red Cat Holdings subsidiary.
Vector
United States
Utah-based tactical sUAS maker (est. 2024); Hammer and Dagger drones are DIU Blue/Green UAS certified and NDAA compliant.
A-techSYN Ltd.
Ireland
Irish UAS maker and vertically integrated provider developing fixed-wing and VTOL drones, autopilots, and flight services for defense and civil markets.
Chengdu JOUAV Automation Tech 成都纵横自动化技术股份有限公司
China
Chengdu, China VTOL drone maker founded 2010, listed on Shanghai's STAR Market (688070.SH); ships to more than 40 countries.
Lyten
United States
San Jose materials maker whose 3D Graphene supermaterial powers lithium-sulfur EV batteries, 3D-printing filament, and methane-gas sensors.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
