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Rocket-Like UAS Detects Target in Record-Breaking Time During Marine Corps Mission

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities are becoming increasingly important for combat superiority in a world where unmanned systems and highly advanced electronic assets take center stage. The U.S. 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has already operated one of the most special unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) multiple times, successfully demonstrating its outstanding capabilities.
V-Bat is the only rocket-like UAS on the market, with exceptional ISR capabilities 7 photos
Photo: Shield AI
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Texas-based Martin UAV conducted a demonstration of its remarkable V-Bat UAS for the Navy earlier this year, at the Yuma Proving Grounds, in Arizona. What makes this aircraft unlike anything else on the market is the single, ducted, thrust-vectored fan that allows it to take off and land, similarly to a SpaceX rocket. It also has the unique ability to switch from fixed-wing flight to hover, back and forth, without dropping in altitude.

MEU confirmed the V-Bat’s abilities on numerous occasions during various USS Portland missions (LPD 27). The UAS was used to provide ISR data, and it proved to be highly capable even in challenging weather conditions, such as strong winds. During one of the missions, the V-Bat was able to achieve target acquisition in a record time of less than three minutes after receiving the task, thanks to its advanced Automatic Identification System (AIS) capability.

Since that first demonstration for the U.S. Navy, Shield AI acquired Martin UAV, a defense technology company founded by a former Navy SEAL, Brandon Tseng. According to Tseng, the V-Bat is a game-changing unmanned aircraft because it’s so flexible and requires minimal logistical support. Indeed, this UAS can easily transition from land to sea, and it can operate in almost any type of environment because it doesn’t require a runway.

It was designed to fit into the bed of a pick-up truck or inside a Blackhawk helicopter, and, according to the manufacturer, it can be easily assembled in less than 30 minutes. All of this adds up to reduced operational costs for the U.S. Marine Corps, higher flexibility, and unprecedented ISR superiority.
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About the author: Otilia Drăgan
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Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
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