Coast Guard Expands Drone Fleet with New V-BAT from Shield AI

Shield AI, a California-based drone developer, has secured a contract valued at $198 million to provide its V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) to the US Coast Guard.

This contract aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities using autonomous drones launched from their existing cutters.

Enhancing ISR Capabilities

The Coast Guard’s goal is to use these drones for ISR missions from its National Security Cutters, also known as Legend-class vessels. These are the largest active patrol ships in the fleet.

The contract with Shield AI will enable the Coast Guard to employ autonomous systems. This also has a 12-hour daily minimum endurance and 24/7 deployment readiness. The V-BAT drones will carry payloads such as communication relays, infrared and electro-optical sensors, and other tools necessary for classification, detection, and identification assignments.

Work under this contract will continue through 2029, covering ISR services, installation and reinstallation of equipment, and training for pilots and mission operators. The Coast Guard plans to expand the drone integration into additional cutters over time. All systems acquired through this effort are designated as Maritime UAS (MUAS).

Brandon Tseng, Co-Founder and President of Shield AI said:

“All maritime vessels will become drone carriers as maritime forces move to deploy distributed, affordable, intelligent drones.”

He highlighted the broader market trend where customers recognize they can fulfill their tasks with cost-effective drones instead of crewed or uncrewed aircraft, which are more expensive.

The V-BAT Aircraft

The V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft created for various missions, including anti-drug enforcement, threat localization, and border security. This can also be used as an expeditionary forward operating base defense.

A two-person team can set it up in as little as 20 minutes, and it can be transported by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter or pickup truck.

Powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind technology, the V-BAT can operate autonomously in environments without GPS communications. This software allows up to four V-BATs to be controlled simultaneously, and ongoing developments are being made to boost swarming capabilities.

The V-BAT is 9 feet (2.74 meters) long and has a wingspan of 9.7 feet (2.69 meters). It weighs 125 pounds (56.7 kilograms) and has a payload capacity of 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms).

It is equipped with a two-cylinder engine that provides 24 horsepower. These can also reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour and fly at altitudes up to 6,100 meters.

What This Means for the US Coast Guard and Military Technology

Shield AI’s V-BAT drones represent a leap forward in the US Coast Guard’s operational capabilities. By incorporating these advanced unmanned systems, the Coast Guard can significantly enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. V-BAT drones allow for continuous, real-time monitoring and data collection, which is crucial for maritime security operations.

The V-BAT’s rapid deployment and ease of transport provide the Coast Guard with unmatched flexibility. These drones can be launched quickly in response to emerging threats, making them vital tools for dynamic and unpredictable operational landscapes. Their integration into the Coast Guard’s fleet sets a new standard for how military and security agencies can leverage technology to enhance their mission effectiveness.

The success of the V-BAT program could pave the way for more widespread adoption of similar unmanned systems.

As technology continues to evolve, the emphasis on autonomous, intelligent, and cost-effective solutions will likely increase. This will drive further innovation and adaptation in military operations.

The US Coast Guard’s move to embrace these cutting-edge drones underscores their tech superiority. It also highlights the importance of staying ahead in the ever-changing defense and security landscape.

This contract marks a significant step in modernizing the Coast Guard’s ISR operations. By integrating advanced autonomous drones like the V-BAT into its fleet, the Coast Guard can enhance its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, allowing it to maintain flexibility and readiness.

The V-BAT’s deployment underscores the evolving nature of military and security operations, where technology plays an increasingly critical role. The Coast Guard continues to adapt to new challenges. Integrating these drones will likely set a precedent for future enhancements in maritime security and ISR missions.

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