Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-13 Origin: Site
On December 9, 2024, SkyDefense LLC announced the launch of its AI-powered eVTOL interceptor, designed to counter enemy drones, according to a report by Unmanned Airspace.
The CobraJet is an autonomous, tactical battery-powered jet aircraft intended for long-range, high-speed (over 322 km/h) detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization of enemy drones. Measuring 1.8 meters in length with a 1.5-meter wingspan, CobraJet features a carbon-fiber monocoque body and is equipped with thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability. It can be armed with VIPER air-to-air missiles and is also equipped with the patent-pending PYTHON electroshock missile, which can repel kamikaze drones and return to base for rearming.
The system is fitted with an AI-assisted flight controller/autopilot, day-and-night cameras, and inertial sensors to enable autonomous flight. The AI operating system analyzes the data from the CobraJet for review and allows operators to participate in the decision-making chain. CobraJet leverages advanced AI computer vision technology for autonomous detection and identification via AI Visual Identification (AIVI), expanding its drone dataset. AIVI alleviates operator workload while significantly increasing reaction time.
SkyDefense states that multiple CobraJets can be launched from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships, or other aircraft. The system is designed to operate in contested electromagnetic environments using "anti-jamming" radios and GPS receivers. Satellite communications (Starlink) are being considered to make CobraJet more effective in electronic warfare environments.
CobraJet and its mission control platform can be integrated into other C2 systems but can also function as part of a standalone multi-layered anti-drone system, where CobraJets are deployed around a protected area using SkyDefense's distributed regional defense system.
Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense LLC, said: "The U.S.-made CobraJet aircraft eliminates enemy drones with its onboard munitions and then returns to base for another mission. As a result, our drone defense costs are a fraction of the typical counter-drone methods used by the military. CobraJet’s stealth and low-altitude, high-speed capabilities make it highly effective against the latest drone threats."
CobraJet is capable of protecting personnel, infrastructure (power plants, refineries, factories, borders), and facilities (military bases, stadiums, arenas) from enemy drone attacks. CobraJet is expected to be available for sale in the second quarter of 2025.
