V-BAT Drone

Manufacturer: Shield AI
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 157 km/h (reported)
Endurance 12+ hours
Operational Range Up to 180 km, configuration dependent
Payload Capacity 40 lb / 18.1 kg

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	V-BAT
Manufacturer	Shield AI
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Group 3 VTOL ISR UAS
First Flight / Introduced	V-BAT developed by Martin UAV; current variants evolved under Shield AI
Status	In Service / Operational
Unit Cost	Not publicly disclosed

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	Approx. 157 km/h
Cruise Speed	Not publicly specified
Operational Range	Up to 180 km, configuration dependent
Endurance	12+ hours
Service Ceiling	Not publicly specified by current Shield AI specifications
Rate of Climb	Not publicly disclosed

3. Dimensions

Length	3.8 m overall height
Wingspan	3.8 m
Height	2.9 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	75 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	Up to 18.1 kg
Hardpoints	Not publicly specified
Weapons	Kinetic munitions capable; specific weapons not publicly disclosed
Sensors	EO/IR, SAR, ViDAR, laser targeting, EW payloads
Avionics	Hivemind autonomy, SATCOM, GNSS anti-jam options

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Heavy-fuel engine
Engine Power	JP-5
Propeller Type	Enclosed ducted fan

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	Up to 130 km MPU5 / 180 km C-Band
Navigation	GNSS / INS, anti-jam options
Ground Control Station	Mobile or fixed C2 architecture

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	U.S. military and government organizations, allied operators
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Ukraine, maritime operations, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard deployments

PROS

Vertical takeoff and landing from confined areas
More than 12 hours of endurance
Modular ISR and electronic warfare payloads
Designed for GPS and communications-contested environments
Suitable for shipboard and expeditionary operations

CONS

Limited payload compared with larger Group 4 and 5 UAVs
Relatively short published communications range without SATCOM
Speed is modest compared with conventional fixed-wing UAVs
Unit pricing is not publicly standardized
Mission performance varies with payload, weather, and configuration

V-BAT Drone: VTOL ISR and Autonomous UAS

The V-BAT is a Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and maritime missions. Developed originally by Martin UAV and now produced and supported by Shield AI, the U.S. platform combines a fixed-wing airframe with an enclosed ducted-fan propulsion system. This allows vertical launch and recovery without a runway, catapult, or recovery net.

Manufacturer

Shield AI, a U.S. defense technology company founded in 2015, acquired Martin UAV in 2021 and integrated its Hivemind autonomy technology with the V-BAT. Current versions use a heavy-fuel engine and can support modular payloads including EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, electronic warfare systems, SATCOM, and laser targeting equipment.

Speed and Range

Current Shield AI specifications list 12+ hours of endurance, a maximum payload of 40 lb (18.1 kg), and maximum ranges of 130 km with MPU5 or 180 km with C-Band radio. Janes reports a maximum speed of approximately 157 km/h for the current platform.

The V-BAT can operate from small ship decks, rooftops, and austere sites. Its autonomous vertical launch and landing capability supports maritime operations, including deployments aboard U.S. Navy vessels. The platform has also been selected or operated by international military and maritime organizations.

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Cost and Price

Shield AI does not publicly disclose a standard unit price for the V-BAT. Contract costs can vary according to aircraft quantities, sensors, autonomy software, training, support, and service arrangements. Therefore, any published unit-price estimate should be treated as unverified unless supported by a specific procurement contract.

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