Kratos secures task order to complete turbojet engine development

A division of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a task order to complete the development of a turbojet engine for future cruise missiles and attritable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The $12.7m task order was secured by Turbine Technologies Division (KTT) under the Advanced Turbine Technologies for Affordable Mission (ATTAM) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The Turbine Engine Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RQT) will be managing the programme.

The move comes after the ground testing of an affordable turbojet, which included characterisation of the engine from ignition to over-speed conditions, as well as its performance.

Testing was carried out at Kratos engine-test facility in Indiantown, Florida, US.

Under the new task order, KTT will complete the engine development to enable flight testing as well as for demonstrating the targeted life low-cost engine architecture.

KTT president Stacey Rock said: “The recent demonstration of our advanced engine architecture is another important milestone in our commitment to provide affordable, high-performance turbine engines.

“All of Kratos is focused on supporting the United States warfighter and industrial base, including making significant investments in the development and production of next-generation engines and supporting STEM opportunities in the US.

“We look forward to continuing to support the AFRL in the development of transformative and affordable turbine engine technologies.”

Last month, Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned air vehicle (UAS) completed a flight test in formation with US Air Force (USAF) fighter jets.