American defense tech startup Shield AI, which is developing the jet-powered VTOL fighter-drone X-Bat, has revealed details about the powerplant chosen for its new hunter namely an engine used on popular fighters like the F-15 and F-16.
According to a signed memorandum with General Electric, X-Bat will be powered by the F110-GE-129. This is GE's first collaboration in which their engine will be installed on a fighter-class drone (X-Bat is also classed as a CCA a collaborative combat aircraft or loyal wingman), reports Breaking Defense.
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The companies also note that they will work to integrate a thrust-vectoring nozzle which will likely require some design changes to ensure proper operation. Shield AI has been cooperating with GE on the engine for about six months, while work on the X-Bat itself has been going on for roughly a year and a half. A demonstration flight with the F110-GE-129 is expected in Q3–Q4 next year.
To speed development, Shield AI has taken an unusual approach: the engine will be supplied together with the airframe, rather than following the typical U.S. defense practice of treating the powerplant contract separately as government-supplied equipment.
Both firms praised each other Shield AI said the F110 gives their new fighter-drone the performance we need, while GE said X-Bat offers a revolutionary approach to solving opponents dilemmas.
It is known that X-Bat can carry two guided bombs or two air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 in its internal bays, and larger cruise missiles and other heavy ordnance on external hardpoints.
Recall that at the end of 2024 it became known that the Ukrainian armed forces were covertly testing Shield AI’s experimental V-BAT drones for the U.S. And details about the jet-powered X-Bat were disclosed in October of this year.
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