Shield AI is advancing its X-BAT fighter toward planned production in 2029 after naming two sites that will support the aircraft’s production, testing, and sustainment.
X-BAT flight testing and sustainment activities will be carried out at X-Forge 2 at Newton City-County Airport in Kansas. Meanwhile, the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft will be produced at X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, Washington.
With X-Forge 1 in Frisco, Texas, serving as the prototyping site, the three facilities are set to support X-BAT from development and production through delivery and fleet sustainment.
Kansas and Washington
Shield AI’s Newton site will handle the X-BAT’s production acceptance testing, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Customers can also conduct their own acceptance flights there…