V-BAT VTOL ISR Drone

Manufacturer: Shield AI
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed ~160 km/h
Endurance Up to 10 hours
Operational Range ~130 km LOS
Payload Capacity ~11 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	V-BAT
Manufacturer	Shield AI
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	ISR VTOL UAV
First Flight / Introduced	2019
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	Low single-digit million USD (est.)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	~160 km/h
Cruise Speed	~120 km/h
Operational Range	~130 km LOS
Endurance	Up to 10 hours
Service Ceiling	~6,100 m
Rate of Climb	Not publicly disclosed

3. Dimensions

Length	~3 m
Wingspan	~2.7 m
Height	~2.7 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~56 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	~11 kg
Hardpoints	None
Weapons	None standard
Sensors	EO/IR camera, ISR payloads
Avionics	AI-assisted autonomy, stabilized ISR systems

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Internal combustion engine
Engine Power	Not publicly disclosed
Propeller Type	Ducted fan VTOL tail-sitter

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote and autonomous
Data Link Range	Line-of-Sight, SATCOM optional
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Portable, expeditionary

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	U.S. military, allied naval forces
Combat Proven	Limited operational deployment
Notable Operations	ISR, maritime patrol, overwatch

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10

PROS

VTOL capability with no runway required
Compact footprint for shipboard use
Long endurance for its size class
Modular payload and sensor options
U.S.-made with NATO interoperability

CONS

Limited payload capacity
Unarmed by default
Lower speed than fixed-wing UAVs
Range constrained without satellite link
Not suited for high-threat airspace

V-BAT VTOL ISR Drone for Tactical Operations

The V-BAT drone is a compact vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft designed for modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Built for operations where runways are unavailable, V-BAT supports expeditionary forces, naval units, and special operations teams that need persistent aerial coverage from tight spaces. Its tail-sitter design allows it to launch and recover from ship decks, remote outposts, and urban areas with minimal ground support.

V-BAT focuses on endurance, sensor flexibility, and autonomy rather than raw speed or heavy weapons. This makes it well suited for maritime patrol, border security, and tactical overwatch missions.

Manufacturer

V-BAT is developed and produced by Shield AI, a U.S.-based defense technology company specializing in autonomous systems and military AI software. The drone is in service with U.S. military units and has been selected by several allied nations for maritime and land-based ISR roles.

Speed and Range

V-BAT VTOL ISR Drone has a modest cruise speed optimized for loitering rather than rapid transit. It offers endurance of up to 10 hours, depending on payload and flight profile. Operational range is typically limited by line-of-sight data links, though satellite-enabled configurations extend reach for maritime operations.

Cost / Price

Exact unit cost is not publicly disclosed. Open-source estimates suggest a price in the low single-digit millions of U.S. dollars per system, depending on sensors, control stations, and support packages.

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