In aerospace, some things look like a major breakthrough waiting to happen, and some things seem too good to be true. One of them is SkyDefense's CobraJet, which looks like a miniature F-22 with the equally diminutive F-35B, and the company markets it as an artificially intelligent eVTOL interceptor. Powered by electric jets, it can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour (322 kilometers per hour) and can be used to shoot down enemy drones.
On the surface, it seems like an amazing concept. It is an anti-drone interceptor aircraft that appears to be a miniature version of a fifth-generation fighter jet. What's more, it packs VTOL lift fan and direct thrust technology developed by Lockheed Martin and its partners (at a cost of billions of dollars) into an airframe that's just 6 feet long (1.8 meters) with a wingspan of 5 feet (1.5 meters). Not only that, it's powered by "electric jets." The "electric jet" has a set of turbines set up in the pipe, which generates thrust through the rotation of the motor.
According to SkyDefense, the CobraJet is not only fast, but also has stealth capabilities, including low infrared signature, "anti-jamming" radio and GPS navigation, artificial intelligence systems and sensors that allow it to operate day and night in sand, seawater, dust, and can launch a squadron-sized combat force from mobile platforms (including the militarized Tesla Cybertruck).
If that's not enough, once the CobraJet engages an enemy drone, it can shoot it down using its internally loaded VIPER 30 mm (1.2 in) solid propellant high-speed kinetic energy impact rocket. The rocket can also shock drones with the company's PYTHON electroshock device.
Nick Verini, president of SkyDefense LLC, said: "Our American-made Cobra Jets use onboard munitions to destroy enemy drones and then return to base for another mission. As a result, our drone mitigation costs are a fraction of the cost of typical counter-drone methods used by the military. The CobraJet is stealthy and can fly low and fast, so it can effectively counter the latest threats from USVs and UGVs."
All of this sounds very impressive, but so far all we've seen of the CobraJet are some not-so-great digital renderings and a lot of technical promise. It remains to be seen whether these renderings will one day become a concrete reality.
We shouldn't have to wait too long, though, as the CobraJet is expected to be available in the second quarter of next year.