From Falcon 9 to fighter jets: the former SpaceX engineer behind Shield AI’s vertical landing X-Bat

Armor Harris, a former SpaceX engineer, is leading the development of Shield AI's X-Bat combat jet, utilizing his expertise in autonomous rocket landings. The X-Bat employs vertical take-off and landing capabilities, mirroring the precision achieved with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 boosters. This technology aligns with the broader aerospace industry shift towards sixth-generation fighters featuring radical tailless designs. These tactical fighter jets are designed to operate largely autonomously. Harris’ previous work directly informs the X-Bat’s advanced flight control systems, representing a significant advancement in aerial defense.