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Shield AI awarded max AFWERX STRATFI contract focused on operational, intelligent swarming aircraft and eVTOL autonomy

Safran News
Shield AI, the aviation autonomy company using self-driving software to enable collaborative teams of unmanned aircraft to operate in GPS- and RF-denied environments, today announced that it has been awarded the maximum amount through the Air Force's Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) Program, in conjunction with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), to accelerate the integration of its combat-proven Hivemind™ autonomy software into various military and commercial platforms.

"We're fired up – this program is centerline with our mission to advance U.S. core values by providing DoD with leading technology. We believe the operational products that will result from this program are fundamental to national security and global stability. This program will lead to operational intelligent swarming capabilities and is also a first step towards the integration of our Hivemind™ autonomy stack on commercial electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft, or eVTOLs. The AI and autonomy engineering for this program is at the cutting edge… it's a really awesome thing to work on,"

-  Brandon Tseng, Shield AI cofounder and former Navy SEAL.

The STRATFI program leverages the capabilities of promising private companies, whose technologies have the potential to make a positive impact for personnel serving in the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and other branches of the U.S. military. Through a rigorous application process, STRATFI identifies companies that consistently meet Department of Defense (DoD) requirements and are positioned to win multiple programs of record.

"AFWERX is committed to quickly scaling in a way that helps our Airmen, and in this case, Soldiers, field emerging technologies that support key operational capabilities. Finding strong AI companies that can bring that capability to the operator will continue to be a key thrust area,"

- Col. Nathan P. Diller, AFWERX Director.

The advancement of Hivemind™ supports the concept of AI for Small Unit Maneuver (AISUM), as outlined in AFSOC's "Big 5" innovation initiatives. The AISUM capabilities achieved via this STRATFI effort provide the Air Force and other services the ability to employ teams of highly intelligent Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to operate in highly contested domains.

"The AFWERX STRATFI with Shield AI will advance the autonomous collaboration capabilities of AFSOC's UAS enabling them to team with Air Commandos in complex environments. Human-machine teaming is a critical capability for AFSOC's broader transformation for strategic competition,"

- Brig. Gen. Justin Hoffman, Director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command.

Additionally, through the STRATFI program, Shield AI will start integration of Hivemind™ onto a commercial eVTOL aircraft – Beta Technologies' ALIA, an Air Force Agility Prime platform. Integration will be in simulation to build the foundation for a follow-on full platform integration.

Shield AI's Hivemind™ is an autonomy and artificial intelligence stack for military and commercial aircraft, designed from the ground up to be multi-role, multi-vehicle. On teams of aircraft, Hivemind™ enables full autonomy and is designed to run fully on the edge in high threat, GPS and communication degraded environments. It uses state-of-the-art path-planning, mapping, state-estimation, and computer vision algorithms, combined with reinforcement learning and simulations, to train unmanned systems to execute a variety of missions – from infantry clearance operations to breaching integrated air defense systems with unmanned aircraft.

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Business Wire | September 14, 2023

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Joby Subsidiary H2FLY Completes World’s First Piloted Flight of Liquid Hydrogen Powered Electric Aircraft

Business Wire | September 14, 2023

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Wheels Up | September 26, 2023

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Aerospace

Eviation Announces Order from Solyu for 25 Alice All-Electric Commuter Aircraft

PR Newswire | September 12, 2023

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Read More

Business Aviation

Alerion Aviation Expands Fleet, Offering Enhanced Private Jet Charter Services

PR Newswire | October 03, 2023

Alerion Aviation, a leading brand in private aviation management and charter services, is thrilled to announce the addition of several new private jets to its managed aircraft portfolio. With this expansion, Alerion Aviation is now equipped to provide an even greater range of options for private jet charter, ensuring an unparalleled experience for its clients. The newly added aircraft, meticulously selected for their comfort, performance, and safety, include a diverse range of models from Gulfstream GV and G200, Hawker 900, Citation Sovereign and Citation X. Whether for business or leisure, Alerion Aviation's fleet offers a charter solution tailored to each client's requirements. "We are excited to offer our clients an expanded fleet of private jets under our management for charter," said Richard Ziskind, Chief Commercial Officer at Alerion Aviation. "This strategic expansion allows us to continue delivering the highest level of service, flexibility, and luxury in the private aviation industry." Alerion Aviation takes pride in its commitment to safety, ensuring that all aircraft are maintained to the highest industry standards. The company's team of experienced professionals provides a seamless and worry-free travel experience for every client. Whether it is a short domestic flight or a long-haul international journey, Alerion Aviation remains dedicated to delivering unparalleled luxury, convenience, and privacy for its clients. The company's charter services are ideal for business executives, families, and individuals seeking a hassle-free and exclusive travel experience. About Alerion Aviation: Alerion Aviation, with bases in New York, Florida, and California, provides an unmatched level of service, safety, and privacy for private jet charters as well as aircraft management, maintenance, and worldwide aviation consulting. It manages and operates midsize, super-mid, and heavy jets, all available for charter. The company's commitment to safety has garnered prestigious, third-party ratings, including the ARG/US Platinum Elite Rating, Wyvern, and IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aviation Operations) Stage 3 certification.

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