Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Shield AI expects full-scale X-BAT drone prototype by October's end
Shield AI expects to complete its first full-scale X-BAT drone prototype by the end of October 2026.
The US Navy has committed another $150 million to development, bringing external funding to $200 million; payments depend on technical milestones, and Shield AI must match the new contribution.
The X-BAT is designed to take off and land vertically, without a conventional runway, and the company aims for a range of 2,000 nautical miles and an altitude of 50,000 feet.
The Navy programme aims to operate combat aircraft without relying on airfields, and Shield AI says the drone could be used from amphibious ships and dispersed land locations.
The aircraft has not yet demonstrated vertical flight, so its range, payload and other planned capabilities still need testing.
Flight tests are planned for the end of this year, with a fully equipped test aircraft expected in 2028 and early operational capability planned for 2029, subject to successful tests and Navy assessments.
Shield AI expects to complete the first full-scale X-BAT unmanned combat aircraft prototype by the end of October 2026.
The US Navy has committed an additional $150 million to the programme, bringing external funding to $200 million.
The aircraft is designed for vertical take-off and landing, with a projected range of 2,000 nautical miles and ceiling of 50,000 feet.
Shield AI plans to begin flight testing at the end of 2026, starting with vertical take-off and landing tests.
A fully equipped flight-test aircraft is expected in 2028, with early operational capability planned for 2029.
- Who
- Shield AI is developing the X-BAT, with funding from the US Navy.
- What
- The company expects to complete its first full-scale unmanned combat aircraft prototype. The aircraft is designed for vertical take-off and landing.
- When
- By the end of October 2026. Flight testing is planned for later in 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The programme aims to develop combat aircraft that can operate without conventional runways.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shield AI conducted wind tunnel, engine and thermal testing to reduce technical risks.
Shield AI expects its first full-scale X-BAT prototype to be completed.
The company plans to begin flight testing with vertical take-off and landing tests.
Shield AI expects to have a fully equipped flight-test aircraft.
Early operational capability is planned.
- Prototype target
- End of October 2026
- Additional Navy commitment
- $150 million
- Total external funding
- $200 million
- Projected range
- 2,000 nautical miles
- Planned operating ceiling
- 50,000 feet
What people are saying
We've been building two prototype vehicles—they're full scale. The first one will be done in the next couple of weeks here
And then we'll be getting into flight testing at the end of this year…going straight to the vertical takeoff and landing tests as the final de-risk of the [technology].