US Navy could see first VTOL X-BAT UAV 'by end of this month' as external funding reaches $200 million —…

• Shield AI expects its first full-scale X-BAT prototype by October's end
• X-BAT aims to fly 2,000 nautical miles and reach 50,000 feet
• The aircraft's projected combat radius ranges from 1,000 to 1,340 nautical miles

Shield AI expects to unveil its full-scale X-BAT unmanned combat aircraft by the end of October 2026 ahead of planned flight tests later this year.

In addition to its initial $50 million investment, the U.S. Navy has committed another $150 million toward X-BAT’s development, bringing the total external funding to $200 million.

The aircraft is designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), with a projected range of 2,000 nautical miles and an operating ceiling of 50,000 feet.

Funding advances development of runway-independent aircraft

The latest funding comes through a US Navy development agreement that links payments to specific technical milestones, rather than providing the entire sum upfront.

Shield AI must match the Navy's $150 million contribution,...

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