AI Fighter Jet: Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to just smartphones or chatbots, but it is now going to show its power in the battlefield as well. America’s Shield AI company has introduced the world’s first AI-powered stealth fighter jet which requires neither a pilot nor a runway to fly. The company has named this state-of-the-art jet X-BAT and it was launched on the special occasion ‘Back to the Future Day’ (21 October).
X-BAT: Future fighter jet that can fly without runway
This X-BAT jet of Shield AI will be specially operated with AI software called Hivemind. This jet is not only completely automated but it is also capable of flying with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system. That means it does not need any runway to fly. It can easily take off from a ship, island or even a small area.
Although currently it has been presented as a scale model, in future it will be fitted with jet engines and thrust vectoring nozzles, which will enable it to fly at a speed of Mach 4 (about 5000 km/h).
Amazing features and range
According to the report of Defense News, the range of X-BAT will be more than 2,000 nautical miles. It will be capable of carrying both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Its VTOL system gives it the ability to take off and land from any location, making it much more flexible and dangerous than conventional jets.
First flight in 2026, production in 2029
The company has informed that the first vertical take-off and landing test flight of X-BAT will be done in 2026. After this, its entire validation process will be completed by 2028 and its mass production will be started from 2029. Shield AI is currently working with several other industry partners to bring it to market faster. The price has not been disclosed, but the company claims that it will be much cheaper than fighter jets like F-16.
AI will change the equation of air war
X-BAT is being considered as a fighter jet which will change the definition of aerial warfare. With the help of its Hivemind software, it can fly without any constant human control.
Apart from completing missions alone, it can also work as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft with other fighter jets. Shield AI claims that this AI jet will prove to be a game-changer in future wars, as it can launch from anywhere without a runway and carry out lethal strikes.
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