# Shield AI Prepares Kansas X-BAT Flight Tests

Shield AI has completed the first prototype of its X-BAT autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and is moving it to a flight-test facility in Kansas. The aircraft’s first flight is expected before the end of 2026. The report identifies no U.S. government award, solicitation, contract value, or procurement timeline, but the test program could provide an early indicator of capabilities relevant to future U.S. Air Force requirements for autonomous aircraft.

- Contractors developing autonomous aircraft or supporting technologies can track X-BAT flight-test results for evidence of performance and potential capability gaps.
- The U.S. Air Force is identified as a potential source of future requirements, but no current procurement action is reported; companies should distinguish the prototype milestone from an active contracting opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Shield AI (X-BAT prototype developer)

### Sources
- [Shield AI Completes First X-BAT Prototype; Preps For First Flight - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/shield-ai-completes-first-x-bat-prototype-preps-for-first-flight/unmanned-systems) - Defense Daily