Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, in collaboration with GE Aerospace, has announced significant progress in the development of the GEK800 engine, which has successfully completed a comprehensive series of altitude, durability, and operational limits testing. This advanced turbofan engine, designed to produce 800 pounds (363 kilograms) of thrust, is poised to play a crucial role in the evolution of next-generation unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and missile platforms.
The extensive testing took place at Purdue University’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, particularly in their newly expanded ZL9 facility located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The campaign concentrated on assessing rotor speed and compressor limits under simulated high-altitude conditions, following over 50 engine starts that were conducted during preliminary ground tests.
Kratos highlighted that this testing initiative was executed in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Office of Naval Research, marking a pivotal milestone towards the engine’s production and deployment. Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the engine’s development, validating its performance, and accelerating its path toward production.” She added that these efforts reflect a commitment to delivering high-performance, affordable propulsion systems that can be rapidly produced to address the needs of defense clients.
The GEK800 engine project, which was unveiled last year, has its roots in a decade of development and ground-testing by Kratos. The partnership with GE Aerospace for joint development commenced in 2023, further enhancing the engine’s capabilities and viability for military applications.
Furthermore, Kratos is not only focusing on the U.S. market but is also expanding its presence internationally through various collaborations. Recently, the company formed a partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries to advance manned-unmanned teaming capabilities intended for future combat aircraft, aiming to foster the integration of crewed and autonomous systems.
Additionally, in July, Kratos joined forces with Germany’s Airbus Defence and Space to provide the XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone to the German Air Force, with deliveries anticipated by 2029. These collaborations underscore Kratos’ commitment to developing advanced systems for air combat and next-generation military applications, solidifying its position as a key player in the defense sector.
