Kratos completes significant milestone on cost optimized limited-life turbofan engine

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, today announced that Kratos Turbine Technologies has successfully completed a ground test campaign of a Cost-Optimized, Limited-Life Turbofan Engine. The engine testing was managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Turbine Engine Division (AFRL/RQT) under the Attritable Cost Optimized Limited Life Engine Technologies (ACOLLET) program. All test plan objectives were achieved including matching pre-test predictions on thrust and fuel efficiency.

The ground test engine demonstrated an innovative engine architecture and critical technologies that is expected to provide future systems increased range, increased thrust, decreased life cycle cost, and increased electrical power. A flight-relevant engine which utilizes the technology is being jointly developed with GE Aerospace for production. The engine, designated the GEK800, is designed for expendable cruise missiles and reusable unmanned applications.

Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies Division, said, “Our teamwork with AFRL led to a successful test campaign and demonstrated affordable propulsion technologies for the warfighter. The new Kratos and GE Aerospace relationship provides a broad range of opportunities to further increase performance and reduce cost on a family of engines based on the GEK800 design.”