Press release
Kratos Valkyrie Demonstrates Affordable Runway Flexibility with Recent Take-Off and Flight Operations
Kratos In Production, Low-Cost, High-Performance Jet Drones Can Accommodate Existing Runway Based Operations or be Deployed in Standard Shipping Containers
About this update from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Kratos In Production, Low-Cost, High-Performance Jet Drones Can Accommodate Existing Runway Based Operations or be Deployed in Standard Shipping Containers and Rail Launched from Austere Locations\nSAN DIEGO, July 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, today announced the successful demonstration of the second of three Valkyrie launch methods: the Kratos Trolley Launch System (KTLS). The KTLS enables the Valkyrie to take off from traditional runways or straight roads, without requiring Rocket Assist Take Off (RATO) or other acceleration producing devices. The KTLS is unpowered with take-off thrust provided solely by the aircraft jet engine. For KTLS take off, which is fully autonomous, the aircraft engine throttles up just like a conventional jet take off, and the combined system, Valkyrie and KTLS, accelerates down the runway. Ultimately, at lift-off speed, the aircraft flies up and away (separates) from the KTLS which then deploys drogue chutes and brakes to a stop on the runway while the aircraft proceeds to its flight mission. Video of the KTLS launch can be found here.https://youtu.be/pIU5DOPiteA?si=ZeJotNNyFP84v7rp Kratos Valkyrie on KTLS Before Being Towed out to Runway for Takeoff A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3f69e93-03e8-44d8-840a-372470437246 For years, the Valkyrie has operated using the RATO method which enables the system to be operated from austere and unprepared locations without runways or similar traditional aircraft support elements. A primary benefit of both RATO and KTLS launch is that the aircraft payload and fuel load can be maximized and is not reduced by the weight, nor the storage volume required for conventional retractable gear. Significantly, the flyaway aircraft system cost is also not impacted by the cost of take-off / landing gear. For deployment of affordable mass, keeping cost out of the airborne systems is paramount. The Kratos funded flight demonstration was conducted at the North Dakota GrandSky Range where Kratos can independently (from DoD ranges) operate its larger Collaborative Combat Aircraft class UAS like the Valkyrie. Steve Fendley, President Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “The avai...