Shield AI V-BAT

USA Unmanned Aerial System

26-10-2023

In March 2021, US-based company Shield AI revealed a reusable Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) named "V-BAT". The system integrated reusable Vertical Takeof and Landing (VTOL) drones with autonomously operating scanning and detection systems. Shield AI claims that V-BAT's can operate in swarms in "Autonomous read-and-react" missions in GPS-denied environments. The system can integrate different kinds of payloads, including sensors and explosives. The system's primary aim is to autonomously intercept hostile aerial systems, exploding on impact.

Basic Weapon Facts:

I. Background

Manufacturer: Shield AI
Suppliers: NVIDIA (Xavier GPU), IMSAR (NSP-3 radar system)
Country of Origin: United States
Developmental Stage: Operational
System Version: Hivemind and V-BAT Teams
System Type: Unmanned Aerial System

II. General Specifications

System Dimensions: Wing Span: 2.96 m, Length: 2.74 m, Weight: 56.7 kg (including fuel and payload)
Weight: 56.7 kg (including fuel and payload)
Max Payload: 11.3 kg
Max Operating Time: 10 hours (max specifications subject to environmental factors)
Max Operating Distance: Unknown
Max Speed: Unknown

III. Autonomy

Autonomous Targeting Capabilities: V-BATs software Hivemind has the capacity to autonomously map the environment, recognize targets, and engage. According to Shield AI's director of engineering, Shield AI is trying to "move to the step where autonomy is committed to behaviours and humans are prioritizing tasks". "Our focus is to be able to field V-BAT teams that are able to autonomously search, detect, track, and report efficiently". Shield AI explains that "the first V-BAT will lase the target, the 2nd V-BAT will deliver the kill shot."

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