Shield AI, a frontrunner in artificial intelligence technology for defense applications, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a key player in defense and national security technologies, have announced a significant advancement in their collaboration. The companies have successfully completed the first phase of flight testing using Shield AI's autonomous pilot technology, dubbed Hivemind, on Kratos' unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
This latest development marks a crucial step towards incorporating Shield AI’s Hivemind AI pilot into the XQ-58 Valkyrie, a high-performance, jet-powered drone developed by Kratos. Previously, Shield AI’s technology has been tested and proven across a diverse range of aircraft, including three classes of quadcopters, the MQ-35A V-BAT, and the F-16, showcasing its versatility and capability in fully autonomous air combat training. The addition of the Kratos MQM-178 Firejet to this list underscores the rapid progress and expanding scope of this technology in military aviation.
Ryan Tseng, CEO and co-founder of Shield AI, highlighted the company's swift integration capabilities, attributing this success to substantial investments in autonomy, AI design tools, and infrastructure. He noted the accelerated timeline from contract signing to flight testing with Kratos' Firejet compared to previous projects, underscoring the efficiency and scalability of Shield AI’s technology.
Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s president and a former Navy SEAL, emphasized the transformative potential of AI pilots in military aviation, drawing parallels with the anticipated impact of autonomous vehicles in civilian sectors. He announced plans for further AI-piloted flights involving the XQ-58 Valkyrie and the Kratos BQM-177, signaling continued progress and ambition in this area.
The MQM-178 Firejet, utilized in the recent tests, serves multiple roles in military training, from target practice for surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements to offensive and defensive operations as a jet UAS. With its high-speed, high-maneuverability capabilities, and sub $500,000 price range per aircraft, the Firejet represents a cost-effective solution for replicating threats and enhancing operational effectiveness without risking American lives.
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, praised the partnership with Shield AI, highlighting the synergy between Kratos' expertise in jet-powered drones and Shield AI’s innovations in AI and software development. He expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration's achievements and the potential for future breakthroughs in support of U.S. national security.
As Shield AI and Kratos Defense continue to refine and expand the capabilities of AI-piloted drones, their work promises to redefine military force structures and enhance the operational efficiency and safety of defense missions.
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