GE Aerospace and Shield AI have completed ground testing of the system that will allow the X-Bat fighter to perform vertical takeoffs, a capability that would permit the aircraft to operate without conventional runways.
What was tested and where
The most recent ground trials were carried out at GE Aerospace’s facility in Ohio, where engineers installed the components needed for vertical lift into the X-Bat’s engine. Multiple checks were performed, including tests of the propulsion system, to verify the operation of all subsystems.
About AVEN
The vertical-takeoff capability relies on an Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), a three-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzle. AVEN is not a new concept: its development dates back to experiments on F-16 test aircraft in the 1990s. The nozzle redirects exhaust gases in three dimensions, enabling finer control and the ability to conduct vertical takeoffs and landings.
X-Bat’s planned capabilities
The X-Bat has been in development for about two years and was shown publicly for the first time in October 2025. The aircraft integrates Shield AI systems for autonomous operation; onboard autonomy is provided by Shield AI’s Hivemind software, which is designed to remain functional even under signal- or communications-jamming conditions. In combat scenarios, the X-Bat is intended to operate alongside crewed aircraft.
Other disclosed performance and design details include:
- Weapons payload: up to 907 kilograms of ordnance capacity.
- Electronic warfare power: around 80 kilowatts of electrical power available to drive electronic warfare systems, which can be used for tasks such as jamming.
- Low-observable features: the design includes stealth characteristics.
- Dispersed basing: the aircraft is intended to be able to take off from ships, islands, or other locations without prepared infrastructure.
Next steps
Following successful AVEN integration on the ground, the system will undergo additional tests before being installed in an X-Bat prototype for flight testing. Developers say that a prototype flight could take place as soon as later this year.
Why it matters
Vertical-takeoff capability would increase operational flexibility by removing the need for conventional runways. Combined with onboard autonomy, low observability, and onboard power for electronic warfare, the X-Bat aims to offer new tactical options for future operations.
Sources
Information in this article is based on public reports and announcements from GE Aerospace and Shield AI.
