X-BAT

Overview

An autonomous VTOL fighter meant to erase the runway from the problem: it takes off and lands vertically from a truck bed, a clearing, or a ship, then flies more than 2,000 nautical miles at above 50,000 feet with internal and external weapons bays for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and electronic warfare missions. Propulsion is a GE Aerospace F110-GE-129E with the AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle, integrated and light-off tested on July 20, 2026. Three fit in the deck space of one legacy fighter, and one commander is meant to direct a team of them through Hivemind.

Propulsion integration complete July 2026; first vertical flights due late 2026, mission capability 2028, production 2029.

Key Specs