A Fighter Jet That Takes Off Without a Runway Is One Step Closer to Vertical Takeoff The recent breakthrough in the development of Shield AI's X Bat strike aircraft has sent shockwaves through the defense establishment.
The successful integration of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) into the aircraft's engine marks a significant milestone on the path to vertical takeoff and landing without traditional runways.
This achievement is particularly significant because it addresses one of the Pentagon's long standing concerns: protecting airbases from enemy attack.