US defense technology biz Shield AI claims it can build a jet-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) autonomous fighter drone that doesn't need a runway to operate.

The California-based biz this week unveiled a mock-up of its X-BAT aircraft at an event held in Washington DC for an audience of military leaders, elected officials, and industry partners.

Still in development, the drone will run on Shield AI's Hivemind AI autonomy software - the same platform that powered a modified F-16 fighter jet in dogfights against human pilots last year.

X-BAT is designed as a tail-sitter like the infamous Convair XFY-1 Pogo , taking off and landing vertically, before leveling off for normal flight. It resembles other jet-powered autonomous drones such as Northrop Grumman's X-47B .

Shield AI X-

See Full Page