Image source: topwar.ru
The American company Shield AI has announced that its V-BAT vertical take-off and landing UAV will be armed with small-sized laser-guided missiles L-MDM manufactured by the South Korean company LIG Nex1.
The L-MDM ("low-cost multipurpose missile") is designed specifically for drone use. The full specifications of the product have not been disclosed, but it is known that it uses semi-active laser guidance, which allows it to hit both fixed and mobile ground targets illuminated either by the UAV itself or by a third-party source.
The rocket is positioned as modular, with simplified mechanical and digital interfaces that are designed to shorten the integration time with various types of drones.
After takeoff, the V-BAT drone moves from a vertical to a horizontal helicopter position. At any moment, the V-BAT can switch back to the starting position to hover over the object ("steady gaze" mode), while maintaining a continuous sensor view.
Image source: topwar.ru
The wingspan is about 3.8 m, the maximum take-off weight is from 70 to 75 kg, and the payload is up to 18 kg. The battery life in the monitoring mode exceeds 12 hours, the flight altitude is about 6000 m, the speed is up to 90 km/h.
The V-BAT is able to carry various types of payloads, including electro-optical and infrared sensor turrets, thermal imagers, laser rangefinders and designators, which are necessary for the effective use of laser-guided munitions. The data transmission channels are designed to operate in conditions of GPS and communication signal degradation and partially rely on the autonomous operation of on-board systems.
Image source: topwar.ru
The UAV is equipped with Shield AI's Hivemind software, which allows it to perform tasks with minimal operator involvement, including navigation, sensor control, and return to base in conditions of interference or unstable connectivity. When striking, this autonomy makes it possible to reduce the time spent in the affected area, allowing the device to rapidly attack targets after they are detected, and then leave the battlefield without constant human control.
Western observers have noted the V-BAT's armament with a South Korean missile.:
