| V-BAT (MQ-35A) | |
|---|---|
| |
| V-BAT lands on USS Carter Hall in May 2023 | |
| Role | UAV |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Shield AI |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
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 22.5 kg 200 nm (370 km) 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]
- ^ "US Navy selects Martin UAV's V-BAT for VTOL UAS prototyping effort". Naval Technology. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "Brazil orders V-Bat | Shephard". 8 February 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ Ryan Finnerty (30 December 2022). "UAVs deliver cargo to US Navy ship at sea for first time". Flight Global. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "US Army Selects Northrop Grumman, Teamed with Shield AI, for Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Prototype". Northrop Grumman Corporation. 28 March 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "Shield AI unveils V-BAT teams drone swarm tech with eye to replicator". Defense News. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.