Artificial intelligence startup Shield AI has announced its plans to expand further into the military hardware sector with the unveiling of a new fighter-drone concept called the X-BAT, Breaking Defense reports. The company intends to integrate its in-house autonomy software into this unmanned wingman.
Group 5 Drone with Vertical Takeoff and Landing
The X-BAT is classified as a Group 5 drone, which, in Pentagon terminology, denotes the largest category of unmanned systems. This drone is designed with the capability to take off and land vertically. Images released by Shield AI depict testing with a sizable jet engine, alongside a drone featuring sleek surfaces to minimize its radar signature.
„Truly an Inspirational Aircraft”
„It is truly an inspirational aircraft,” stated Shield AI President and Co-founder Brandon Tseng during the unveiling event in Washington. A static display of the new drone was presented to an audience of industry and government attendees.
Scale Model Displayed, Partnership Announcement Imminent
The event showcased a scale model of the drone, rather than a full production model. While Shield AI is responsible for the system’s design, company officials have indicated that a partner will be brought in to assist with the actual production of the X-BAT. Armor Harris, the head of Shield AI’s aircraft business unit, informed reporters that „we’ll be announcing our partnerships more in the coming weeks.”
F-16 Class Engine with After Burner and Thrust Vectoring
Harris also mentioned that the propulsion vendor the company is collaborating with will be announced „in the coming weeks.” However, he described the X-BAT as operating with an „F-16 class engine” equipped with an after burner and thrust vectoring nozzle, originally developed for a late 1990s F-15 thrust vectoring program. He later clarified that „multiple engine options [are] available.”
Complete System with Hivemind Computer Pilot
The X-BAT is being marketed as a „complete” system, with the firm’s „Hivemind” computer pilot at the aircraft’s core to ensure the jet-powered drone can operate in environments with denied communications. While Shield AI is offering the X-BAT with Hivemind as its pilot, the drone is capable of supporting autonomous software from outside vendors as well.
