Shield AI V-BAT
VTOL
Shield AI V-BAT is a Group 3 VTOL unmanned aircraft system developed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and maritime operations. Its ducted-fan configuration enables vertical takeoff and landing from confined areas and moving ships without requiring a runway, catapult, or recovery net.
V-BAT can be configured with Hivemind autonomy, EO/IR gimbals, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), AIS, SATCOM, and other mission payloads. Its open architecture supports integration of different sensors and communications systems. According to current Shield AI data, the platform has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 75 kg, a maximum payload capacity of 18.1 kg, and more than 12 hours of endurance with an EO/IR payload.
Frontex maritime pilot project ↗ — Two Shield AI V-BAT systems flew a total of 150 hours over 19 days from a patrol vessel during a Frontex and Italian Coast Guard pilot project. The two aircraft operated simultaneously for up to 20 combined hours per day, with missions reaching up to 150 km from the ship.
Systems
- •Autonomy (Hivemind AI Pilot)
- •VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing)
- •Engine (JP-5 Heavy Fuel)
- •Communications (SATCOM)
- •GNSS Anti-Jam
- •Open Systems Architecture
- •BVLOS Maritime Operations
Sensors
- •EO/IR Gimbal
- •Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- •ViDAR
- •AIS
- •Laser Target Designator
- •Laser Range Finder
Compatible weapons
- •Kinetic Munition Integration
Official manufacturer source
No official manufacturer link recorded