Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT explained

V-BAT (MDS Name: MQ-35A) is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle originally developed by Martin UAV, now Shield AI.

In late April 2021 the United States Navy selected the V-BAT for prototyping and development.^[1]

In February 2022, Brazilian company VSK Tactical ordered an undisclosed number of V-BATs for security and monitoring roles.^[2]

On 21 December 2022, a V-BAT, together with a Skyways V2.6B UAV, made the first unmanned cargo deliveries to a US Navy ship at sea with each UAV carrying a cargo of 22.5kg 200nm (370km) onto a moving ship.^[3]

In March 2023 the United States Army announced that the V-BAT had been selected to compete in its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition, Increment 2 to replace the RQ-7B Shadow. Shield AI teamed with Northrop Grumman for the competition.^[4]

On 9 October 2023 Shield AI announced that the V-BAT had a drone-swarming capability.^[5]

External links

Company website

Notes and References

1. Web site: US Navy selects Martin UAV’s V-BAT for VTOL UAS prototyping effort. Naval Technology. 29 April 2021. 30 October 2023.
2. Web site: Brazil orders V-Bat | Shephard. 8 February 2022. 30 October 2023.
3. Web site: UAVs deliver cargo to US Navy ship at sea for first time. Flight Global. Ryan Finnerty. 30 December 2022. 30 October 2023.
4. Web site: US Army Selects Northrop Grumman, Teamed with Shield AI, for Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Prototype. Northrop Grumman Corporation. 28 March 2023. 30 October 2023.
5. Web site: Shield AI unveils V-BAT teams drone swarm tech with eye to replicator. Defense News. 10 October 2023. 30 October 2023.