Northrop Grumman and Shield AI Chosen by U.S. Army for Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System Competition

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has partnered with Shield AI to participate in the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition, Increment 2, organized by the U.S. Army. The competition aims to select a replacement for the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS).

During the initial seven-week contract period, the collaborative team led by Northrop Grumman will establish the modular open-system architecture of an upgraded V-BAT aircraft. This effort will encompass the incorporation of advanced surveillance and electronic warfare (EW) payloads. The V-BAT UAS represents an innovative, compact, and lightweight platform that can be efficiently deployed and retrieved by a combat team of just two soldiers, even in challenging and dynamic environments.

Angela Johns, Vice President of Autonomous and Tactical Air Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated, “Our team’s enhanced V-BAT embodies more than 30 years of experience designing, delivering, and sustaining advanced unmanned aircraft systems, combined with a field-proven platform and production facilities. We bring a unique perspective and capabilities to this critical Army mission.”

Northrop Grumman has partnered with Shield AI, the designer and manufacturer of the V-BAT platform. Their collaboration aims to provide cutting-edge solutions for an expeditionary vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS capable of delivering persistent aerial reconnaissance capabilities to U.S. Army Brigade Combat Teams, Special Forces, and Ranger battalions. As part of the Future Vertical Lift program, the FTUAS represents a premier initiative within the Army’s VTOL unmanned aircraft modernization strategy.

Previous iterations of the V-BAT have been in service since 2016, supporting operations for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The enhanced version of the V-BAT is characterized by its ease of operation, increased power, reduced logistical footprint, and the ability to accommodate a variety of interchangeable payloads. These payloads include electro-optical/infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and EW systems, ensuring adaptability over the long term and effective life cycle management.

Northrop Grumman, a prominent global aerospace and defense technology company, is committed to providing pioneering solutions that empower customers to establish connectivity and security worldwide. The company’s endeavors extend beyond Earth, advancing the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. With a workforce of 95,000 employees driven by a shared commitment to solving the toughest challenges faced by customers, Northrop Grumman continues to redefine what is possible on a daily basis.