Shield AI has announced the X-BAT, an artificial intelligence-piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet designed to operate without traditional runways and to function in highly contested environments, the company stated.
According to Shield AI, the X-BAT is powered by the firm’s Hivemind autonomy software, which enables the aircraft to operate in communications-denied or degraded conditions, fly independently or in coordination with manned aircraft, and carry out a variety of missions without direct operator control. The system is intended to allow the aircraft to act as an autonomous “drone wingman” or a standalone combat platform.
“X-BAT represents the next part of that plan, expanding U.S. and allied warfighting capacity through a transformative, runway-independent aircraft,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder, president, and former Navy SEAL, in the company’s announcement. “Airpower without runways is the holy grail of deterrence. It gives our forces persistence, reach, and survivability, and it buys diplomacy another day.”
Shield AI claims that the aircraft combines range, flexibility, and autonomy in a compact design. The company lists a range of over 2,000 nautical miles with a full mission payload, a multirole configuration for strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions, and a footprint small enough for three aircraft to fit into the deck space of a single fighter or helicopter.
Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft, described the design as “a revolution in airpower because it combines four things – VTOL, range, multirole capability, and autonomy.” Harris added that X-BAT’s autonomous operation “simplifies kill chains” and reduces reliance on refueling and established runways.
The company stated that X-BAT is intended to provide fighter-class performance at a significantly lower acquisition and lifecycle cost than fifth-generation aircraft, while offering enhanced survivability through autonomy and signature management.
The aircraft was unveiled at an event in Washington, D.C., attended by U.S. defence officials, industry leaders, and members of Congress. Shield AI said the program represents the next phase of its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into combat aviation, following its earlier V-BAT drone program.
“significantly lower acquisition and lifecycle cost than fifth-generation aircraft”
Does anyone else think that still sounds really expensive?
The Register have a piece that suggests around $30m. I have real trouble believing in that. It also says the company have called it attritable. Probably not if you are British. And the article goes on to suggest the RN’s Project Vanquish is a possible customer.
If you are expecting it to perform just as well as a manned fighter. Then the powerplant, avionics etc will also need match that. There no point putting a mickey mouse radar in it, if it can only detect objects 50km away and arming with a medium range beyond visual range air to air missile (BVRAAM). S you’re not maximizing the potential of the missile. If the UAV is being used as a dumb bomb truck controlled by a manned aircraft, then it won’t need the avionics.
According to a set of press Q&A, the X-Bat is powered by the F100/F110 engine as used by the F16. Due to aerodynamic efficiency of the shape, they are predicting a range of over 2000km, but also a speed comparable to the F16.
The vertical take off and landing principle was initially hard to figure out, especially as it was recovering on to the trailer’s launch rail. But apparently they are basing it on the X-13 Vertijet trialled in the 1950’s, along with the recovery methods used by the SpaceX’s Falcon rocket. The X-Bat uses a 3D engine exhaust nozzle to control its landing attitude and hover. Apparently it works in simulations, they are planning on doing the physical trials next year.
Shield AI have been saying that something like a LHD, LPD or even the Independence class ships, could be used as carriers for these UAVs
So, How many have they built ?
First flight is scheduled for next year, with production planned for 2029.
The amount of smaller companies coming out with CCA designs in the US reminds me of the early Cold War and the amount of companies building jets for the USAF.
No harm in small innovators at all.
Absolutely, it’s good to see.
If it works as stated. Brilliant, finally something to fit on an RN carrier.
How does it land?
The USN tried tail sitters in the 1950s, provided sufficient thrust it is very easy to take off but much harder to transition from horizontal flight to vertical when landing.
That was a tremendous period of experimentation, not just in the US but Britain too. Some real leaps were taken back then including flying wings, supersonics and Vertical take off Beds !!!
It’s not magic just maths!
They have taken the fundamentals used with the Ryan X-13 Vertijet, but updated with modern technology and the systems processes used by the SpaceX Falcon rocket. It is launched from a rail raised vertical from a trailer. The F16 derived engine gives it a greater power to weight ratio for vertical take off. Where at x height/speed it transitions into forward flight.
When coming in to land, apparently it will perform a “cobra” manoeuvre. This is to make sure there is still sufficient air flow into the nose air intake for the engine. When vertical it will use its 3D vectoring engine exhaust nozzle to control its attitude and descent as per the Falcon rocket. Apparently one of the people from SpaceX is working for them. When near the trailer, the vertical rail captures the UAV. According to Shield AI, the engine has sufficient power to allow the UAV to hover whilst only using dry power (not reheat).
Simples, well according to simulations. The physical trials start next year, so wait and see if they got their calculation right!
So they are going for the traditional tail-sitter landing then! It’s interesting that they are using SpaceX tech, it shows that reusable rocketry is now so mainstream that it is spilling over into other areas of aerospace.
PS love that description of engineering at the top 👍
The CTO came from space-X
Main picture looks like a cross between the cover of an Asimov book and the Crucifiction.
I must read another of his books soon.