#247 Brandon Tseng – Shield AI’s X-BAT: The First AI Fighter Jet to Outsmart Top Gun | The Shawn Ryan Show

In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan interviews Brandon Tseng, a former Navy SEAL and the co-founder and president of Shield AI, a defense technology company focused on building AI pilots for military assets. Tseng discusses his background, from his childhood and decision to join the SEAL teams to his experiences in the military, including deployments to Afghanistan and his transition into the AI and technology sector. The conversation covers Shield AI's mission to protect service members and civilians with AI-powered systems, focusing on their AI pilot technology and its applications in various military assets, including quadcopters, VBATs, and even fighter jets. Tseng shares insights into the future of warfare, emphasizing the importance of autonomous systems and the challenges posed by competitors like China, and unveils Shield AI's latest innovation, the XBAT, a vertical takeoff and landing multi-role combat strike jet.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Background

Part 2: SEAL Team Experiences

Part 3: Shield AI's Vision and Technology

Part 4: VBAT and Tactical Deployment

Part 5: XBAT: Capabilities and Future

Part 6: Closing

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#247 Brandon Tseng – Shield AI’s X-BAT: The First AI Fighter Jet to Outsmart Top Gun

The Shawn Ryan Show

Part 1: Introduction and Background

00:05Introduction to Brandon Tseng and Shield AI

Introduction to Brandon Tseng and Shield AI

02:42Gifts and Counter Drug Operations with Shield AI

Gifts and Counter Drug Operations with Shield AI

07:58Battlefield Experiences and Early Life

Battlefield Experiences and Early Life

11:21Childhood Interests and the Path to the SEAL Teams

Childhood Interests and the Path to the SEAL Teams

15:31Family Military History and the Naval Academy

Family Military History and the Naval Academy

20:03Naval Academy Alumni and the SEAL Team Brotherhood

Naval Academy Alumni and the SEAL Team Brotherhood

Part 2: SEAL Team Experiences

24:07The Path from Naval Academy to SEAL Teams and Initial Rejection

The Path from Naval Academy to SEAL Teams and Initial Rejection

28:29Transition to the SEAL Teams and BUDS Training

Transition to the SEAL Teams and BUDS Training

32:57Hell Week Experiences and Instructor Cadre

Hell Week Experiences and Instructor Cadre

37:01Graduation, SEAL Team 7, and Deployment to Afghanistan

Graduation, SEAL Team 7, and Deployment to Afghanistan

42:45First Deployment Experiences and JTAC Kills

First Deployment Experiences and JTAC Kills

47:36Transition to SEAL Team 5 and Deployment to the Pacific

Transition to SEAL Team 5 and Deployment to the Pacific

51:02Reasons for Leaving the SEAL Teams and the Genesis of Shield AI

Reasons for Leaving the SEAL Teams and the Genesis of Shield AI

Part 3: Shield AI's Vision and Technology

54:27The Problem of Warfare and the Vision for Shield AI

The Problem of Warfare and the Vision for Shield AI

59:31Shield AI's Mission and Initial Product

Shield AI's Mission and Initial Product

1:04:13Impact of Shield AI's Innovations on the SEAL Teams

Impact of Shield AI's Innovations on the SEAL Teams

1:07:10Successes and Failures of the Quadcopter

Successes and Failures of the Quadcopter

1:12:32Expansion Beyond Quadcopters and the AI Pilot

Expansion Beyond Quadcopters and the AI Pilot

1:17:23How AI Systems Learn and Reinforcement Learning

How AI Systems Learn and Reinforcement Learning

1:20:14The Future of Warfare in 2035 and the Role of Autonomous Systems

The Future of Warfare in 2035 and the Role of Autonomous Systems

1:24:06The Strategic Importance of Autonomy and Competitors

The Strategic Importance of Autonomy and Competitors

1:29:26Corporate Espionage and Security Measures

Corporate Espionage and Security Measures

Part 4: VBAT and Tactical Deployment

1:31:45The VBAT and Vertical Takeoff Importance

The VBAT and Vertical Takeoff Importance

1:35:37Tactical Deployment and Mission Execution

Tactical Deployment and Mission Execution

1:41:15Mission Types and the Transferability of AI Pilots

Mission Types and the Transferability of AI Pilots

1:44:14Rapid Integration and the DARPA Alpha Dogfight

Rapid Integration and the DARPA Alpha Dogfight

1:47:31The Importance of Mission Impact and Innovation

The Importance of Mission Impact and Innovation

Part 5: XBAT: Capabilities and Future

1:50:07Introduction to the XBAT

Introduction to the XBAT

1:54:00XBAT Capabilities and Cost Comparison

XBAT Capabilities and Cost Comparison

1:57:21XBAT Technical Specifications and Design

XBAT Technical Specifications and Design

2:04:04Weaponry and Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Weaponry and Electronic Warfare Capabilities

2:07:34Altitude, Speed, and Stealth

Altitude, Speed, and Stealth

2:11:39Political Support and Manufacturing Plans

Political Support and Manufacturing Plans

2:14:24The VBAT in Ukraine and Battlefield Success

The VBAT in Ukraine and Battlefield Success

2:17:56Mission Impact and Deterrence

Mission Impact and Deterrence

2:20:35Hacking and Communication Needs

Hacking and Communication Needs

2:23:36The XBAT's Role and Human-Machine Teaming