SkyDefense LLC, 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.
“Our USA-made CobraJets can communicate and coordinate as a flight team enabling them to operate as an AI-powered unmanned Air Force,” said Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense LLC. “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.
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