Draft:Shield AI X-BAT

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Shield AI X-BAT is a autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Martin UAV, now Shield AI. It is presented as a long range strike, surveillance and reconnaissance collaborative partner alongside fighter jets.[1][2]

X-BAT
X-BAT display in Eurosatory 2026
General information
TypeUnmanned combat aerial vehicle
National originUnited States
ManufacturerShield AI
ServiceUnder Development

Design & capabilities

The X-BAT's single-engine design enables it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces and to shift from hover to horizontal flight. Its autonomous software, branded as Shield AI’s Hivemind, includes visual odometry navigation capabilities for operating in GPS and communication denied environments. Its compact design and ability to hover makes it suitable for shipboard operations and confined land areas.[3][4]

Earlier, the drone was shown with a ‘cranked kite’ planform, which has now been redesigned to a straight edge with a more sweep as part of a distinctive arrowhead-shaped profile.[5]

As described a Group 5 unmaned aircraft, placing it in largest class of military drones with internal fuel and weapon payload. During the unveling it was stated that the aircraft is planned to uses a high thrust jet engine, with thrust vectoring technology to support VTOL.[6] Later General electric stated that it has agreed to collaborate on propulsion technologies foe X-BAT. The F110-GE-129 engine, with advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), was selected to power the X-BAT. [7][8]

Autonomy and software

X-BAT is intended to be flown by a central ai system called hivemind, Shield AI’s artificial intelligence–based autonomous pilot software. It is stated that the aircraft can be operated with almost no human intervation, particularly in places where communications or GPS signals are jammed.[9][10]

It was stated that X-BAT can complete complex missions, with adaptive AI, and coordinate with other air and ground assets. that the platform could work with other software depending on requirements.[11][12]

Specification (projected)

General characteristics

  • Crew: None
  • Length: 26 ft (7.9 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft (11.8 m)
  • Fuselage/Height: 5 feet (1.5 m)
  • Gross weight: 12,000 lb (5443 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × General electric F110-GE-129 engine

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Unknown
  • Maximum range: 2,000 nm (3,650 km)
  • Combact radius: 1,000 nm (1,825 km)
  • Service ceiling: >50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Development timeline

In its public unveiling in 2025, X-BAT had not yet conducted flight testing. It was indicated that the VTOL tests will be conducted in mid 2020s, with more extensive flight testing and operational demonstrations to follow.[13]

In jan 2026, the company started its wind tunnel testing to further increase its aerodynamics performance.[14]

In june 2026, GE Aerospace stated that they have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with shield AI for development of propulsion technology. The F110-GE-129 engine, featuring an advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), was selected. GE Aerospace will provide propulsion and testing support for the X-BAT program.[15][16]

Full validation is expected to be completed by 2028, and production could will begin in 2029.[17]

See also

This article describes a proposed and developmental aircraft. Specifications and timelines are subject to change.

Reference

  1. Tirpak, John (2025-10-24). "New Kind of CCA? Meet the Supersonic, VTOL X-BAT". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  2. Losey, Stephen (2025-10-24). "Shield AI unveils X-BAT autonomous vertical takeoff fighter jet". Defense News. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  3. "Shield AI Unveils High-End, VTOL Collaborative Combat Aircraft | Aviation Week". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  4. Demarest, Colin (2025-10-21). "Shield AI unsheathes X-BAT, a missile-toting autonomous aircraft". Axios. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  5. Rogoway, Thomas Newdick, Tyler (2026-04-21). "X-BAT Autonomous VTOL 'Fighter' Looks Dramatically Different". The War Zone. Retrieved 2026-06-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. Marrow, Michael (2025-10-22). "Shield AI unveils X-BAT, a VTOL stealth loyal wingman drone". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  7. Design & Development Today Staff (2025-11-05). "GE Aerospace, Shield AI to Collaborate on Propulsion for X-BAT Vehicle Program". Design and Development Today. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  8. Losey, Stephen (2025-10-24). "Shield AI unveils X-BAT autonomous vertical takeoff fighter jet". Defense News. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  9. Evers, Ryan Baker,Andrew (2025-10-21). "CNBC exclusive: First look at Shield AI's new AI-piloted military fighter drone". CNBC. Retrieved 2025-12-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. "Shield AI Distances X-Bat From CCA Market Segment | Aviation Week". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  11. Losey, Stephen (2025-10-24). "Shield AI unveils X-BAT autonomous vertical takeoff fighter jet". Defense News. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  12. "X-BAT sets out to revolutionize the future of fighters". 2025-11-01. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  13. Marrow, Michael (2025-10-22). "Shield AI unveils X-BAT, a VTOL stealth loyal wingman drone". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  14. "Shield AI begins wind tunnel trials for X-Bat fighter drone". Defence Blog – Military and Defense News. 2026-01-14. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  15. Design & Development Today Staff (2025-11-05). "GE Aerospace, Shield AI to Collaborate on Propulsion for X-BAT Vehicle Program". Design and Development Today. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  16. "GE Aerospace and Shield AI to Collaborate on Propulsion for X-BAT Vehicle Program | GE Aerospace News". www.geaerospace.com. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  17. "Meet world's first AI fighter jet, which requires neither pilot nor runway to fly, it is…, made by…". www.india.com. Retrieved 2026-06-21.