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Video: Shield AI Details Progress For X-BAT Full Scale Prototype
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland—Shield AI says it is nearly done constructing the first full-scale protype of X-BAT, its proposed autonomous combat aircraft system.
The company expects its prototype will be complete by end of October, with testing of the vertical takeoff and landing combat aircraft slated to begin towards the end of the year.
“That testing consists of a variety of horizontal and vertical tests, all leading up to the first vertical takeoff and landing flight, which we're aiming to do as early as late this year or early next year,” SVP-aircraft engineering Armor Harris told Aviation Week here.
Shield AI displayed a model of X-BAT at 45% scale, at AFA’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, where Defense Editor Steve Trimble spoke to Harris on the X-BAT’s specs, and potential.
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