Mary-Louise Hoffman
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions has ordered engines that will power a unmanned combat air system developed with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Jane’s 360 reported Sunday.
Eric DeMarco, president and CEO of Kratos, said during a second-quarter earnings call the company started ordering engines as it anticipates XQ-58A Valkyrie production efforts after the platform met all test points during a second flight test.
The demonstration flight took place June 11 at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona and lasted for 71 minutes. AFRL and Kratos built the demonstrator vehicle as part of the laboratory’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology program with the goal to address the tactical aircraft cost trajectory.
DeMarco noted the company is pursuing new business opportunities in the areas of unmanned, missile defense and hypersonic systems. All of Kratos’ businesses experienced “sequential” growth in Q2 organic sales, he added.
