BRIGHTON, Colo. - SkyDefense, headquartered in Brighton, CO, unveiled its advanced AI-powered eVTOL fighter drone and interceptor, the "CobraJet." This tactical, battery-powered autonomous aircraft is engineered to detect, track, identify, and neutralize enemy drones at high speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). Designed primarily for security applications, CobraJet defends against drone threats to critical infrastructure, borders, military bases, and public venues.
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 delivers exceptional agility and the ability to neutralize multiple fast-moving, evasive UAS with its on-board air-to-air weapons stored in its weapons bay or mounted underbelly. CobraJet is also capable of performing strike missions against ground or naval targets utilizing its present munitions or other air-to-surface weapons such as smart glide bombs.
The interceptor's propulsion relies on electric duct fan (EDF) motors and Amprius solid-state batteries, while its Auterion AI-enabled autopilot and additional NVIDIA compute power, along with Teledyne FLIR NDAA-compliant cameras, ensure autonomous operations day and night. CobraJet can deploy from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships, or aircraft, adding flexibility to its operations.
SkyDefense's Command System, known as VRAM (Visual Realtime Area Monitoring), combines AI-powered data analysis with a control interface that keeps human operators in the decision-making loop. This system enables CobraJet to operate seamlessly in contested electromagnetic environments, thanks to AI-assisted visual navigation SmartVision and other anti-jam technology. VRAM can also integrate with other Command-and-Control (C2) systems.
Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense LLC, said, "Our USA-made CobraJets can communicate and coordinate as a flight team enabling them to operate as an AI-powered unmanned Air Force. This team approach increases the effectiveness of the squadron while also significantly reducing the costs of destroying a swarm of enemy drones."
For Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and US Military applications, SkyDefense offers a mobile configuration where its command system is housed in tactical or armored BEVs. This platform is designed for extreme environments, boasting low acoustic and thermal signatures to evade enemy detection.
