Kratos and GE Aerospace begin altitude testing on GEK800 small engine

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) have commenced altitude testing on their GEK800 small engine at Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. The testing began on September 23, 2025, marking the next phase of development for the engine designed to power unmanned aerial systems and collaborative combat aircraft.

The GEK800 is an 800-pound jet engine that could power unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and missiles. Kratos initially developed and ground tested the engine over a decade, with the companies beginning their collaboration in 2023. They have completed more than 50 engine starts in ground testing at their respective facilities.

"Altitude testing is the next milestone in demonstrating our commitment to delivering high-performance, affordable, jet engines to support our defense customers," said Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies.

The altitude testing will focus on altitudes between 5,000 and 35,000 feet and is expected to complete by the end of the year. The testing will be conducted at the newly expanded ZL9 test facility at Zucrow Labs, marking the first engine to test at the facility.

"The GEK800 engine has performed well and exceeded our expectations in its ground testing to date," said Mark Rettig, Vice President of Edison Works Advanced Programs at GE Aerospace. "During altitude testing, we will collect data on the engine's performance in a range of altitudes to assess its operability in simulated real-world conditions."

The companies signed a formal teaming agreement in June to advance propulsion technologies for unmanned aerial systems and collaborative combat aircraft. This agreement expanded on a previous memorandum of understanding and provides a framework for developing, manufacturing, testing, and fielding the GEK800 engine.

The Air Force Research Laboratory, GE Aerospace, Kratos Defense, and Purdue Zucrow Labs are collaborating on the testing program, according to information provided in a company statement.

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