GE Aerospace Partners with Shield AI to Develop Innovative Propulsion for X-BAT Air Vehicle

Elevating the Future of Aerial Combat: GE Aerospace and Shield AI Collaboration

In a significant leap forward for military aviation, GE Aerospace has announced a promising partnership with Shield AI, aimed at advancing propulsion technologies for the innovative X-BAT vehicle program. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is set to redefine how propulsion systems integrate into autonomous systems designed for mission-critical operations.

The X-BAT Program: A Game-Changer in VTOL Aircraft

Unveiled on October 21, 2025, the X-BAT is an AI-driven vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet, meticulously engineered to operate effectively in contested and austere environments. With the integration of Shield AI's sophisticated Hivemind autonomy software, the X-BAT is designed to deliver a scalable and survivable combat capability, operating either independently or in conjunction with drone wingman scenarios.

Amy Gowder, the president and CEO of GE Aerospace's Defense Systems sector, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We're excited to pair GE Aerospace's proven experience in developing and scaling propulsion systems with Shield AI's vehicle development to move faster from concept to capability." This collaboration underscores GE Aerospace's enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of propulsion technology in the realm of unmanned systems.

Advanced Propulsion Technologies at the Core

At the heart of this collaboration lies the F110-GE-129 engine, renowned for its remarkable reliability and performance. This engine, famous for its operational excellence, will power the X-BAT and is uniquely enhanced by the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). This technology not only provides thrust vectoring capabilities for smoother vertical flight but also augments maneuverability during horizontal operations. Armor Harris, Shield AI's senior vice president of aircraft engineering, remarked, "GE Aerospace's F110 engine is one of the most successful and reliable fighter engines in history and has the operability characteristics that X-BAT's VTOL design demands."

The F110 engine boasts more than 11 million flight hours, showcasing its proven track record in the field. With over 40 years of continuous production and improvement, this engine represents a cornerstone of GE Aerospace's propulsion solutions, making it a critical asset for the ambitious X-BAT program.

Accelerating Development for Unmanned Applications

This partnership promises to accelerate the development of the X-BAT, as it combines GE Aerospace's extensive experience in propulsion development, testing, and certification with Shield AI's cutting-edge technology in autonomous aircraft. The focus is not solely on creating a high-performance military vehicle; it is about paving the way for future unmanned aerial applications that will shape the battlefield of tomorrow.

GE Aerospace's commitment to advancing innovation is evident in its growing portfolio of partnerships aimed at driving forward the future of flight and propulsion. As demand surges for efficient and dependable propulsion technologies across both manned and unmanned defense applications, GE Aerospace continues to strive for solutions that meet current mission needs while simultaneously influencing the future landscape of aviation.

A Vision for the Future

As GE Aerospace and Shield AI forge ahead with this collaboration, the implications are profound. The integration of advanced propulsion technologies into a revolutionary aircraft like the X-BAT could set new standards for aerial combat capabilities and autonomous operations. With a focus on enhancing the survivability and efficacy of air power in challenging environments, this partnership represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of military aviation.

Through collaboration and innovation, GE Aerospace and Shield AI are not just redefining the mechanics of flight; they are reshaping what is possible in defense aviation, bringing a bold new vision to life in the skies. For those interested in following the journey of GE Aerospace and its partners, further information can be found at www.geaerospace.com and www.shield.ai.