DARPA and Dynetics Announce Successful Flight of X-61A Gremlins Air Vehicle
24 January 2020 - 12:00AM
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a
leading National Security Solutions provider, reported that on
January 17, 2020 the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) and Dynetics, (the Prime Contractor for the Gremlins
program), announced the successful first flight of the X-61A
Gremlins Air Vehicle (GAV) was completed on November 23, 2019.
Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division (KUSD) is a key subcontractor to
Dynetics on the Gremlins Program.
The Gremlins flight test took place at Dugway
Proving Ground near Salt Lake City, Utah. Testing operations
involved one captive-carry mission aboard a TBM, Inc. C-130A and an
airborne launch and free flight of the X-61A that lasted one hour
and 41 minutes. The test objectives included:
- Demonstrating a successful launch of the GAV from the
C-130
- Demonstrating a rate capture, wing deployment, cold engine
start, and transition to stable, powered flight
- Collecting data on GAV subsystem operation and performance
- Verifying air and ground-based command and control systems,
including data link performance and handovers between air and
ground control
- Deploying the GAV docking arm
- Demonstrating the flight termination and ground (parachute)
recovery of the GAV (demonstration system only – not part of the
operational system)
Managed out of DARPA's Tactical Technology
Office (TTO), the overarching goal of Gremlins is to accelerate the
ability to perform aerial launch and recovery of volley quantities
of low-cost, reusable unmanned aerial systems (UASs). This test is
the next step toward the completion of the program’s Phase 3
demonstration objectives, which include a final flight test to
demonstrate the ability to recover 4 GAVs in under 30 minutes.
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned
Systems Division, said, “We are proud to be a primary member of the
Dynetics Gremlins team as the key contributor to GAV design and as
the airframe production lead. The capability that the Gremlins
System offers is game changing and we look forward to continuing
the progression with Dynetics and DARPA as the program moves
forward and ‘transitions’.”
The Gremlins team celebrated a number of
milestones in 2019. The first was a successful flight test of the
docking system in February. In March, we executed the first flight
of the GAV avionics system, installed onboard the Calspan Variable
Stability System (VSS) Lear Jet as a dress rehearsal for this
November 2019 test. Dynetics also hosted a stakeholder’s day
highlighting a live engine test in July and received a U.S. Air
Force-assigned X-61A designation in August.
https://dynetics.com/newsroom/news/2020/dynetics-x-61a-gremlins-air-vehicle-performs-its-maiden-flight
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. Kratos specializes 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 go to 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
30, 2018, 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
Kratos Defense and Secur... (NASDAQ:KTOS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Kratos Defense and Secur... (NASDAQ:KTOS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024