Shield AI’s X-BAT: The Jet-Powered VTOL Drone Ready to Ditch Runways and Steal the Show
Shield AI claims their new X-BAT drone can take off vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. It’s like a jet-powered ballerina—graceful, yet capable of delivering a tactical pirouette right into enemy territory. With VTOL, range, and multirole capability, X-BAT might just be the Swiss Army knife of the skies.
Hot Take:
Shield AI’s latest brainchild, the X-BAT, is here to revolutionize the skies with its runway-free, fighter-jet-like prowess. It’s like the future of air combat decided to skip leg day and focus entirely on vertical gains. But can this ambitious project take off without crashing into a wall of unanswered questions? Only time, and a few CGI renderings, will tell.
Key Points:
- Shield AI unveils the X-BAT, a jet-powered VTOL autonomous fighter drone, still in development.
- X-BAT’s autonomy allows it to operate independently, avoiding communication jamming issues.
- The drone boasts a range of over 2,000 nautical miles, despite being half the size of an F-35.
- Initial flight demonstrations are planned for 2026, with full production anticipated by 2029.
- Pricing is expected to be around $30 million, aligning with Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs.
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