Shield AI Shows X-Bat Prototype, Targets First Flight by End of 2026

Shield AI presented its X-Bat prototype, serial number 001, and plans to conduct the aircraft’s first flight before the end of 2026.

Key details

• The X-Bat is designed as an autonomous aircraft for vertical takeoff and landing, using a tail-sitting configuration.
• The prototype carries the reported civil registration N228XB.

Shield AI plans to fly the X-Bat before the end of 2026.

Why it matters

The tail-sitting design is intended to let the aircraft take off and land vertically without a conventional runway. The planned first flight would move the program from a displayed prototype toward flight testing.