GE Aerospace and Shield AI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI’s new X-BAT aircraft program. Under the agreement, the F110-GE-129 engine with the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) has been selected to power the X-BAT, with GE Aerospace providing propulsion and testing support.
Amy Gowder, president and CEO, Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace, stated:
“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. Together, we’re helping redefine how advanced propulsion technologies are integrated into autonomous systems built for the mission.”
X-BAT, unveiled on 21 October in Washington DC, is an AI piloted vertical takeoff and landing fighter aircraft designed to operate in contested and remote environments. The platform uses Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software and can function independently or alongside manned aircraft as a cooperative wingman.
Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft engineering at Shield AI, said:
“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.”
The partnership aligns GE Aerospace’s propulsion development and certification expertise with Shield AI’s autonomous flight systems to support the advancement of next generation unmanned aircraft. The F110 engine has accumulated more than 11 million flight hours and remains in continuous production. The AVEN configuration selected for X-BAT enables thrust vectoring to support vertical flight and increase maneuverability in horizontal flight.
GE Aerospace stated that this collaboration reflects its continued focus on propulsion solutions for both manned and unmanned defense applications as operational demand for scalable unmanned systems grows.