Shield AI and Destinus have successfully completed a major airborne demonstration of Hivemind autonomy software, showcasing autonomous teaming between the V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) and the Destinus Hornet. The flight test highlighted how multiple autonomous aircraft can work together in real time, coordinating missions, extending communications, and expanding operational reach in complex and contested environments. During testing in Oklahoma, V-BAT and Hornet platforms operated across a resilient mesh communications network, with V-BAT serving as an airborne relay between a ground control station and multiple Hornet aircraft. Mission plans were uploaded to the autonomous team before launch, while dynamic in-flight updates challenged Hivemind to adapt flight paths and coordinate multiple platforms as conditions changed. The demonstration showcased the power of AI-enabled autonomy to connect, coordinate, and scale autonomous operations across diverse systems, demonstrating collaborative drone operations are ready to deploy today.
Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Martin UAV, now Shield AI. The V-BAT has been operationally deployed in multiple regions, including the Black Sea, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In Ukraine, V-BATs have withstood electronic warfare (EW) attacks that have downed other UAVs. The V-BAT’s single-engine ducted fan enables it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces and to shift from hover to horizontal flight. Its autonomous software, branded as Shield AI’s Hivemind, includes visual odometry navigation capabilities for operating in GPS and communication denied environments. Its compact design and ability to hover makes it suitable for shipboard operations and confined land areas.
