The World's First AI-Piloted Fighter Jet That Doesn't Need a Runway

The X-BAT is a two-thirds scale model of the world's first AI-piloted fighter jet capable of vertical take-off and landing, eliminating the need for runways and dramatically increasing deployment flexibility.

• The X-BAT is an AI-piloted fighter jet designed for vertical take-off and landing, enabling deployment from any location.

• It features an F-100 engine with multi-plane thrust vectoring for superior maneuverability and carries diverse weaponry for multi-role missions.

• Flying at 55,000 feet, the X-BAT enhances missile range and incorporates advanced electronic warfare capabilities, making it a strategic asset.

The X-BAT, developed by Shield AI, is an AI-piloted fighter jet designed for vertical take-off and landing, which allows it to operate from virtually any location, turning 'every ship into an aircraft carrier' and making it an 'intractable' target for adversaries. Powered by the F-100 engine with multi-plane thrust vectoring, the X-BAT boasts a 2,100 nautical mile radius with mission payload and can carry a diverse array of weaponry, offering multi-role capabilities including advanced electronic warfare.

X-BAT Capabilities & Design

• 00:01:33 The X-BAT is an AI-piloted fighter jet with a 2,100 nautical mile radius and full mission payload capacity, comparable to an F-18 or F-35. It carries four internal AMRAAMs and two medium-range air-to-air missiles, supporting multi-role operations such as air-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-surface, and electronic warfare missions. Unlike other CCA aircraft, the X-BAT uses an F-100 engine, enabling it to generate sufficient electrical power for fifth and sixth-generation sensor suites and electronic attack payloads.

Unique Engine Technology

• 00:02:16 The X-BAT utilizes the F-100 engine, also found in F-15s and F-16s, which features unique multi-plane thrust vectoring capabilities. This technology, only found in one other US jet (F-22 has 2D), enhances maneuverability and allows for advanced low-speed maneuvers like the 'Pugachev Cobra.' The multi-plane thrust vectoring is crucial for precise control during its vertical take-off and landing operations.

Vertical Take-Off and Landing

• 00:03:24 The X-BAT launches and recovers vertically, similar to a SpaceX rocket, using a specialized Launch Recovery Vehicle (LRV) equipped with a blast shield to deflect engine heat. This vertical capability is a critical differentiator, eliminating the need for traditional runways and allowing deployment from any location, including cargo ships, island chains, or even a 'pickleball court.' The head of aircraft development for X-BAT previously worked as a principal engineer on SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch and land systems.

Strategic Advantages & Deterrence

• 00:06:32 The X-BAT offers significant strategic advantages, including the ability to fly at 55,000 feet, higher than comparable aircraft, which improves the kinematics and effective range of its air-to-air missiles. Its 'low observable' design and comprehensive electronic warfare capabilities, such as jamming GPS and enemy communications, ensure it remains a formidable asset even after expending its physical weaponry. The X-BAT's versatility and AI piloting by 'HiveMind' are expected to fundamentally transform air warfare, serving as a powerful deterrent to adversaries.