#USA #Washington DC #Shield AI #V-BAT #Hivemind

Shield AI Enhances V-BAT with New Features

In a groundbreaking announcement, Shield AI, a leader in defense technology focused on autonomous systems, has revealed its latest evolution of the combat-proven V-BAT drone. The upgraded V-BAT is designed to cater to complex operational challenges faced by the U.S. and allied forces, particularly in environments where GPS and communication systems are compromised. The drone is set to advance defense capabilities in securing borders, conducting maritime surveillance, and tracking threats effectively.

Revolutionary Specifications

Shield AI’s innovative drone integrates advanced multi-domain functionalities within the Group 3 category, ensuring it can perform high-stakes missions typically reserved for larger, more expensive systems. The company's President and Co-founder, Brandon Tseng, emphasized the shift towards smaller, cost-effective drones, stating that V-BAT is equipped to handle a diverse spectrum of missions ranging from surveillance in contested areas to search and rescue operations.

One of the standout features of the latest V-BAT model is the introduction of a heavy-fuel engine optimized for JP-5 maritime fuel. This engine enhancement allows the drone to achieve over 13 hours of operational endurance, thus enhancing its versatility for naval and expeditionary tasks. The V-BAT also boasts fully unassisted Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities, which means it does not require an operator for its launch or recovery processes, making it even more autonomous and ready for deployment at a moment's notice.

Unmatched Versatility and Deployment

Despite its compact size, V-BAT does not compromise on operational capacity. It can operate without the need for traditional launch systems such as runways or catapults. Its patented ducted-fan design ensures that it can land safely on moving naval vessels or confined spaces, even under challenging weather conditions. This makes the V-BAT a preferred choice for various maritime and aerial forces, being integrated with nearly every type of U.S. Navy ship and deployed with all seven Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs).

Notably, the drone has already attracted attention from several defense agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard recently awarded V-BAT a major ISR operations contract, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has recognized it as their inaugural ship-based ISR platform.

AI Integration with Hivemind

The V-BAT is now equipped with Hivemind Pilot technology, allowing operators to harness Shield AI's advanced autonomy software for superior perception and decision-making abilities. Moreover, the integration of SATCOM provides Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) capabilities, enabling control over missions from virtually anywhere globally. The drone can also incorporate multiple payloads increasing its operational flexibility, including advanced imaging, synthetic aperture radar, and electronic warfare systems.

Visitors to the U.S. Navy League Sea-Air-Space Maritime Expo have the opportunity to see a special edition of the U.S. Coast Guard V-BAT model at Shield AI's exhibit. This is a great chance for defense professionals and enthusiasts alike to learn more about the capabilities offered by this remarkable drone.

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI has rapidly established itself in the defense sector, leveraging cutting-edge technology to protect military personnel and civilians alike through intelligent autonomous systems. The company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology for various applications in military operations, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence.

For more information on Shield AI's advanced capabilities and products, visit Shield.ai and follow their updates on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.