GE Aerospace and Shield AI Partner on Advanced Propulsion for AI-Piloted X-BAT Fighter Jet
- MM24 News Desk
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
GE Aerospace is joining forces with defense technology company Shield AI to integrate the battle-proven F110-GE-129 engine with the advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) into the new X-BAT, an AI-piloted vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet. This collaboration, reported by GE Aerospace, aims to accelerate the development of next-generation autonomous systems by combining proven propulsion with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Unveiled on October 21 in Washington, D.C., the X-BAT represents a significant leap in unmanned combat aircraft. Engineered for contested and austere environments, this VTOL fighter is powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, enabling it to operate as a standalone asset or as a drone wingman alongside manned aircraft. The selection of the F110 engine, a workhorse with over 11 million flight hours, brings unparalleled reliability to this ambitious program.
The heart of this propulsion partnership is the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). This sophisticated system is critical for the X-BAT’s unique flight profile. AVEN provides the thrust vectoring capability necessary for vertical take-off and landing, while also enhancing maneuverability during high-performance horizontal flight. This technology allows the jet to operate from rugged, unprepared locations, a key requirement for future battlefields.
“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,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. She added that the collaboration underscores their commitment to advancing propulsion for next-generation autonomous systems and redefining how these technologies are integrated.
On the other side of the partnership, Shield AI brings its expertise in AI pilots. Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI, stated, “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. GE Aerospace has been a great partner, and we are excited by the potential of our combined team.” This synergy between established propulsion and disruptive autonomy is the project's core strength.
The F110 engine itself is a legend in military aviation, recently celebrating a milestone of 40 years of continuous production and improvement. It boasts the most thrust in its class, making it a powerful yet trusted choice for a novel platform like the X-BAT. By leveraging this existing, reliable engine, the program can mitigate risk and accelerate its timeline from design to deployment.
This partnership is a strategic move for both companies as the Department of Defense increasingly emphasizes collaborative combat aircraft and unmanned systems. The memorandum of understanding signals a focused effort to deliver scalable, survivable combat mass in environments where traditional air power might be challenged. The fusion of GE’s propulsion and testing support with Shield AI’s autonomous aircraft technology aims to create a highly capable and readily available system.
Ultimately, this team effort is about more than just one vehicle; it’s about shaping the future of unmanned warfare. As demand grows for affordable, reliable propulsion across both manned and unmanned defense applications, collaborations like this are essential for maintaining technological superiority. The X-BAT program, powered by this unique alliance, could fundamentally redefine how air combat is conducted in the decades to come.