SkyDefense LLC has introduced an AI-powered eVTOL fighter drone and interceptor. CobraJet™ is a battery-powered autonomous aircraft that has been engineered to detect, track, identify and neutralise enemy drones at high speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). Designed primarily for security applications, CobraJet is suitable for providing a layer of defence to critical infrastructure, borders, military bases and public venues. It can deploy from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships or aircraft.
Scalable and available in three trijet versions, V4 and V6 (Group 2), and V8 (Group 3), CobraJet features a 3D printed carbon fiber composite airframe inspired by the 5th-generation Lockheed F-35B and F-22 jets, and the future 6th generation F-47. Equipped with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and thrust vectoring nozzles, the jet has the ability to neutralise multiple fast-moving, evasive drones with its on-board air-to-air weapons stored in its weapons bay or mounted underbelly. CobraJet is also capable of performing strike missions.
The interceptor’s propulsion relies on electric duct fan motors and Amprius solid-state batteries, while its Auterion AI-enabled autopilot and additional NVIDIA compute power, along with Teledyne FLIR NDAA-compliant cameras, provide autonomous operations both day and night.
SkyDefense’s Command System, known as VRAM (Visual Realtime Area Monitoring), combines AI-powered data analysis with a control interface that keeps humans in the loop. CobraJet is designed to be able to operate in contested electromagnetic environments, via an AI-assisted visual navigation SmartVision system and other anti-jam technology. VRAM can also integrate with other Command-and-Control (C2) systems.
For law enforcement, homeland security, and US military applications, SkyDefense offers a mobile configuration where its command system is housed in tactical or armoured BEVs.
Counter-UAS tests with CobraJet and VRAM are planned at the Pendleton UAS Test Site later this year.
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