Shield AI Introduces ‘World’s First’ AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet ‘X-Bat’

A new unmanned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform concept from Shield AI is being positioned as an AI-powered wingman for US military forces.

The fighter-like drone, dubbed X-Bat, will leverage an F-16 class engine to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles (2,302 miles/3,704 kilometers) at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters). It can also take off without specialized launch equipment such as lift fans.

The X-BAT will include an internal bay that can house air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, while large strike munitions can be mounted on external hardpoints.

Read the full story on NextGen Defense: Shield AI Introduces ‘World’s First’ AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet ‘X-Bat’