Shield AI X-Bat's Thrust Vectoring System Successfully Ground Tested

Shield AI announced on July 20 that a critical component of its X-Bat uncrewed aircraft system's (UAS) propulsion system successfully underwent ground testing. The X-Bat, powered by a GE Aerospace F110-129E engine, is designed for vertical takeoff and recovery from a mobile, tower-like docking system using thrust vectoring.

The thrust vectoring mechanism for the X-Bat is provided by the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). This device, originally developed in the 1990s, experimented with multi-axis vectoring for the Lockheed Martin F-16. Shield AI and GE have successfully re-integrated the AVEN with the F110 engine, executing functional checkouts and an engine light-off test at GE's Peebles, Ohio facility, less than a year after the X-Bat concept was revealed.

Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft engineering, highlighted the rapid integration, stating it demonstrates the capabilities of the combined teams. The AVEN is being adapted to enable the X-Bat's vertical flight profile, which necessitates faster gimbaling to maintain control during transitions between vertical and horizontal flight. Harris noted that using proven hardware has significantly accelerated the development process.

The recent tests contribute to the AVEN's existing 73 hours of ground testing and 135 hours of flight testing from the 1990s program. Shield AI envisions the X-Bat conducting combat missions up to 1,000 nautical miles away, carrying 2,000-pound class munitions, and generating 80 kW of electrical power to support various payloads like jammers and sensors.