The American company Shield AI has presented the X-BATa fully autonomous fighter aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically (VTOL) without the need for a human pilot, landing strip or GPS signal.
The project represents a new milestone in the evolution of AI-powered military aviation and is based on the same technology as the autonomous F-16 tested by the US Air Force in simulated combat last year.
The X-BAT has been designed as a multirole VTOL fighter. According to Shield AI, can operate from islands, ships or even refuel in flightwhich gives it unprecedented operational flexibility in various scenarios.
«Trackless airpower is the holy grail of deterrence. It gives our forces persistence, range and survivability, and gives diplomacy another day,» said Brandon Tseng, co-founder and president of the company.
The aircraft integrates HivemindShield AI’s AI system already tested on the modified F-16. This test demonstrated the ability of AI to make complex tactical decisions in real time.
Shield AI claims that the X-BAT can complete missions without human intervention, even in environments with degraded communications or without GPSand which is suitable for attack, aerial combat, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks.
In terms of performance, Shield AI indicates a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 km) and an operating ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 m).
With about 8 meters in length and 12 meters in wingspanthe X-BAT is smaller than a conventional fighter, but can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as external point charges.
By not needing a runway, an amphibious ship could embark dozens of units, and it would even be possible to launch it from adapted civilian vessels.
The first flight of the X-BAT is planned for 2026, and production is projected for 2029, according to the company.
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