Skyborg Vanguard Takes Next Steps Toward Program of Record
17 August 2021 - 10:00PM
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS),
a leading National Security Solutions provider announced today that
it remains committed to be ready for a 2023 Skyborg Vanguard
Program of Record, echoing the commitment expressed by the U.S. Air
Force in its August 16, 2021 update on the Skyborg program (Skyborg
Vanguard takes next steps toward Program of Record > Air Force
Life Cycle Management Center > Article Display (af.mil)).
Skyborg is an autonomy-focused capability developed to enable the
Air Force to operate and sustain low-cost, teamed aircraft that can
thwart adversaries with quick, decisive actions in contested
environments. The program aims to enable airborne combat mass by
building a transferable autonomy foundation for a family of
layered, unmanned air vehicles. As designed, this foundation will
deliver unmatched combat capability per dollar by lowering the
barriers to entry for industry and allowing continuous hardware and
software innovation in acquisition, fielding and sustainment of
critical mission systems. During this effort, AFRL will prototype a
suite of autonomy and unmanned system technologies equipped with
capabilities that can support a range of Air Force missions.
To fast track this game-changing capability, the
U.S. Air Force designated Skyborg as one of three Vanguard programs
in 2019. These priority initiatives integrate several technology
components across multiple domains to create complex,
multidisciplinary solutions. Marked by an enterprise-wide
commitment, Vanguards deliver advanced capabilities that transform
future operations with cutting-edge technologies. As autonomy
technology matures, Skyborg will bring cutting-edge capabilities to
the fight at a faster pace and lower cost.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e533b716-61f5-4136-87ea-f7f1ba80def3.
Steve Fendley, Kratos Unmanned Systems Division
President, said, “The Kratos approach to developing and delivering
attritable unmanned jet aircraft directly aligns with the USAF
objectives from digital engineering development to affordable mass
to distributed lethality. The Kratos Valkyrie was ready for its
first flight of the full-scale aircraft system (note we rarely
experiment with subscale prototypes because for integrated aircraft
systems, scalability is not linear and therefore results in
additional cost and schedule) in under 30 months from initial
concept. Our approach is a tailored version of digital
engineering/digital development specifically designed to support
rapid and affordable physical system development. The process
consists of a cyclical succession of digital design and digital
analysis combined with rapid prototyping of high-risk elements,
supported with both conventional and company-developed life-cycle
digital toolsets. The XQ-58A Valkyrie exemplifies both the approach
and result; a true attritable (cost, operational methods, and
performance) unmanned jet aircraft system uniquely applicable to
the Skyborg Vanguard requirements. The Skyborg program requirements
are for, ‘autonomous, low-cost platforms to enable expeditionary
operations that can generate massed combat power with minimal
logistical footprints. Our demonstrated success in developing
affordable unmanned jet aircraft systems includes over 10 different
aircraft types for a range of tactical and target applications. For
the Valkyrie and its multiple program opportunities, we leaned
forward with internal funds and established an initial production
run of 12 aircraft systems. These aircraft are coming off the line
this year and next. Our unique position as a mid-tier system
provider enables us to take these more commercial (versus
conventional defense primes) approaches which benefit the DoD and
demonstrate the speed that is achievable through leveraging the
Silicon Valley approach to technology and system development.”
Eric DeMarco, Kratos President and CEO, said,
“Kratos remains committed to supporting our partner’s, the United
States Air Force, objective of transitioning Skyborg to a Program
of Record in 2023 with the XQ-58 Valkyrie. Primary stated
requirements for Skyborg Program Drones include runway
independence, affordability, and that the actual to be fielded
aircraft exists today, are not surrogates and will execute flights
under the program this year, not at some future date. Kratos is
currently satisfying the complete requirement set. We believe that
Kratos’ demonstrated and proven ability to rapidly develop,
demonstrate, and manufacture large quantities of high-performance
jet drones at an affordable cost is consistent with our customer’s
stated vision, and our entire organization is focused on
successfully executing the mission.”
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. At
Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize 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, please
visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements Certain 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 27, 2020, 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
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