Shield AI unveils an upgraded V-BAT with Hivemind autonomy, satellite link and a heavy-fuel engine

Shield AI/V-BAT

Shield AI unveiled a V-BAT upgrade with a heavy-fuel engine running on the Navy's JP-5, endurance over 13 hours, fully unassisted vertical launch and landing, satellite links for control beyond line of sight, and Hivemind autonomy. The upgrade was shown at the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space expo.

• Heavy-fuel engine operates on Navy JP-5; endurance exceeds 13 hours.
• Fully unassisted VTOL launch and landing; satellite communications for beyond-line-of-sight control.
• Hivemind autonomy enables advanced perception and decision-making in GPS-denied and jammed environments.
• Delivers Group 4–5 capabilities in a Group 3 package; supports ISR, border security, search and rescue and maritime operations.