GE Aerospace and Shield AI Formed a Partnership for X-BAT

GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) and Shield AI have agreed to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI's new X-BAT vehicle program. Under this collaboration, the F110-GE-129 engine has been selected to power the X-BAT, equipped with an advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). GE Aerospace will provide propulsion and testing support for the X-BAT program.

Amy Gowder, President and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense and Systems, stated, "We are excited to combine GE Aerospace's proven experience in developing and scaling propulsion systems with Shield AI's vehicle development capabilities to move faster from concept to capability. Together, we are helping to redefine advanced propulsion technologies integrated into autonomous systems built for the mission. Collaborating with Shield AI reinforces GE Aerospace's commitment to advancing propulsion for next-generation autonomous systems."

X-BAT was unveiled on October 21st in Washington D.C. and is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft, piloted by artificial intelligence, engineered by Shield AI for competitive and challenging environments. Powered by Shield AI's proven Hivemind autonomy software, the X-BAT offers scalable, survivable combat capability in challenging environments, capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman. Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI, remarked, "The GE Aerospace F110 engine is one of the most successful and reliable fighter engines in history and has the operability characteristics required for the X-BAT's VTOL design. GE Aerospace is a great partner, and we are excited to see the potential of our combined team."

By combining GE Aerospace's expertise in propulsion development, testing, and certification with Shield AI's proven autonomous aircraft technology, this partnership will accelerate the development of future unmanned applications.

GE Aerospace's F110 engine is one of the most powerful engines, with over 11 million flight hours, and has celebrated a continuous period of production and improvement spanning 40 years. The Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) designed for the X-BAT provides thrust vectoring capability for vertical flight and enhances maneuverability in horizontal flight.

This announcement strengthens GE Aerospace's growing portfolio of partnerships aligned with its commitment to advancing the future of flight and propulsion support technologies. As the demand for affordable and reliable propulsion solutions for both unmanned and manned defense applications increases, GE Aerospace continues to focus on shaping the future of flight while meeting today's mission needs.