Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a significant contract worth $68.3 million from the US Department of Defense, aimed at establishing a mid-tier arc jet and fiber laser facility specifically designed for testing hypersonic materials. This contract is part of the Department’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, which seeks to enhance the capabilities of the defense industrial base.
The new facility will play a crucial role in accelerating the transition of materials from laboratory testing to real-world operational systems. It will support various hypersonic and strategic defense initiatives, ultimately enhancing testing efficiency for the United States armed forces.
At the core of this facility’s capabilities will be a 25-megawatt arc jet, which is engineered to simulate the extreme temperatures encountered by hypersonic vehicles during flight. Additionally, a 200-kilowatt fiber laser will be employed to conduct tests on materials under concentrated high heat, allowing for a realistic assessment of thermal protection systems. This technological combination is intended to effectively bridge the gap between small-scale laboratory experiments and larger government testing infrastructures.
In partnership with North Wind and New Horizon 5, the project is expected to stimulate collaboration and innovation within the defense sector. Once fully operational, the facility will provide support to all branches of the US military and the Department of Defense.
In a broader context, Kratos has recently been active in securing various agreements and partnerships within the defense sector. For instance, earlier this month, the US Navy chose Kratos to implement an in-house maintenance and support program for its AN/SPY-1 radars, which are utilized on Aegis cruisers and destroyers.
Moreover, in September, the innovative firm was selected by California’s Elroy Air to manufacture the Chaparral cargo drone. This agreement spans five years and will facilitate the large-scale production of the hybrid-electric, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing system.
In another strategic move, Kratos partnered with Rafael to launch a joint venture named Prometheus Energetics. This venture is focused on developing solid rocket motors for military use, operating from a 500-acre site in Crane, Indiana. The partnership is characterized by equal ownership between the two entities and is supported by a substantial investment of $175 million to ensure robust operational capabilities.
Overall, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving landscape of defense technologies, driven by innovation and strategic collaborations.
