Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS),
a leading National Security Solutions provider and industry-leading
provider of high-performance unmanned systems, today released
additional information on the successful series of flight tests
with the Skyborg autonomy core system (ACS) aboard Kratos UTAP-22
Mako tactical unmanned vehicles at Tyndall AFB, Florida. This most
recent series of Mako flights occurred from April 29, 2021-May 5,
2021.
A photo accompanying this announcement is
available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/990ab7e6-e1a5-4d74-a110-8d4bc6a26741
U.S Air Force Test Center Video: (99+) Post |
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The U.S. Air Force reported:
The 96th Test Wing took part in a series of
flight tests using a 19-foot unmanned aircraft launched from
Tyndall Air Force Base from April 29 to May 5.
Inside the aircraft, the Autonomy Core System,
the “brain” of the autonomous aircraft, made its first three
flights for the Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experiment.
The ACS is part of the AFRL Skyborg Vanguard
program. Skyborg’s goal is to develop low cost, unmanned aircraft
to provide increased combat capability by teaming those aircraft
with traditional manned fighters.
The ACS operates by receiving basic commands
from a ground station or airborne fighter and flies the aircraft by
deciding on the best flight path and throttle settings to comply
with the command.
With this testing, autonomy technology moved
from research to reality.
“The execution of this flight test is a great
milestone for our closely integrated development and acquisition
team. Safely executing this test and providing the knowledge needed
to advance the technology is at the heart of what we do. And as
always, we’re highly motivated to help bring war-winning technology
to the next fight,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th TW
commander.
Aircraft controllers on the ground provided
commands to the ACS during this test series. In the future, the
plan is for direct manned-unmanned teaming via commands sent from a
manned F-16 Fighting Falcon to the ACS onboard the unmanned
aircraft. These commands could task the ACS “brain” to find and
track targets by flying the aircraft to the area of interest and
reporting enemy contact locations to the manned fighter.
“This test is a significant step toward teaming
manned and unmanned aircraft in combat in the not-too-distant
future,” said Maj. Nathan McCaskey, 40th Flight Test
Squadron Test Pilot and AAAx Project Pilot. “Unmanned
aircraft using the autonomy system developed for this experiment
could go places where manned fighters can’t go, providing sensor
information back to manned teammates, increasing the power
projection capability of the Air Force.”
McCaskey, the lead pilot for the AAAx missions,
flew the closest ever manned fighter to an unmanned aircraft under
autonomous control in DOD history.
This test demonstrated the building blocks of
the autonomous capability. The ACS demonstrated proficiency in
basic aviation abilities and responded to commands while navigating
in a shared airspace with up to four manned fighter aircraft,
including both F-16s and F-15Es from the 40th FLTS.
Planning efforts by Air Force Research
Laboratory Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation
office, combined with test wing expertise helped make this autonomy
test a reality.
“SDPE’s experience with rapid experimentation
coupled with 40th expertise in planning and executing complex test
resulted in a successful test on an accelerated timeline.” said
Lt. Col. Richard Turner, 40th FLTS commander.
Several other organizations also substantially
contributed to the success of the test series, including the 46th
Test Squadron here and the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron at
Tyndall.
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos
Unmanned Systems Division, said, “With the multiple
missionization programs/efforts tied to the UTAP-22 Mako over the
last several years, we have developed key tactical capability
configurations and informed capability configurations and
techniques which will also apply to the Valkyrie XQ-58A. We are
particularly proud that Kratos Tactical UAS have flown in scenarios
with many of the primary U.S. manned fighters/trainers – F-35,
F-22, T-38, AV-8B, and now the F-16 as shown in the recent USAF
photos – exemplifying the utility and capability of these
attritable tactical UAS.”
Eric DeMarco, CEO of Kratos Defense and
Security Solutions, said, “Kratos’ opportunity set has
never been greater across our Company; our tactical unmanned drones
system progress has been accelerating rapidly as our affordable,
attritable class of high-performance drones continue to demonstrate
their industry-leading position. With our accomplishments and
success over the past few months, our confidence in Kratos’
transformative systems and products has never been greater.”
Kratos Unmanned Systems Division is a leading
provider of high performance unmanned aerial drone and target
systems for threat representative target missions to exercise
weapon, radar, and other systems; and tactical aerial drone systems
for strike/ISR and force multiplication missions. In December 2020,
Kratos received a $37.7 million contract from the AFLCMC/WA
Advanced Aircraft Program Executive Office for Skyborg Delivery
Order (DO) 2 to integrate, test, and deliver the XQ-58A Valkyrie
system for the Skyborg Vanguard Program.
Kratos announced its UTAP-22 Mako completed the
first Skyborg flight on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
About Kratos Defense & Security
SolutionsKratos Defense & Security Solutions,
Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative,
affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States
National Security related customers, allies and commercial
enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for
these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven
commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including
proactive research and streamlined development processes. At
Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in
unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare,
microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems,
training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo
fan engine development. For more information, please
visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking
StatementsCertain statements in this press release may
constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current
beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos
and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking
statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to
update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes
that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements
are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially
from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking
statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in
these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the
business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year
ended December 27, 2020, and in subsequent reports on Forms
10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by
Kratos.
Press Contact:Yolanda
White858-812-7302 Direct
Investor
Information:877-934-4687investor@kratosdefense.com
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