Shield Ai Feature Trails

The X-BAT program is integrating and evolving the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) technology for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. This involves adapting a 1990s F-16 thrust-vectoring nozzle for precise attitude control during hover and landing, and re-engineering it with modern materials and control systems for future iterations.

Hivemind AI pilot successfully demonstrated multi-asset autonomous teaming on water, integrating maritime radar and AIS data for ISR missions. This marks the first water-based multi-asset teaming and the first maritime radar/AIS integration for Hivemind, enabling autonomous mission planning, target identification, and escort operations. Hivemind has now been extended to control heterogeneous teams of strike, interceptor, and ISR assets, enabling collaborative flights, in-flight target updates, and coordinated autonomous search missions with multiple UAVs, respecting no-fly zones and maintaining inter-agent communications.