Overview
- Shield AI and GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding that names the F110-GE-129 as X-BAT’s engine and assigns GE propulsion and testing support.
- The selected configuration includes GE’s Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle to enable thrust vectoring for vertical operations and enhance maneuverability in forward flight.
- GE’s F110 family has logged more than 11 million flight hours across roughly four decades of production and development, providing a proven baseline for integration.
- X-BAT uses Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy to operate in limited- or no-communications environments and can fly independently or as a drone wingman with crewed aircraft.
- Shield AI targets a first VTOL demonstration in 2026, broader flight and operational validation in 2028, and production in 2029, while range and payload claims remain unvalidated pending testing.