Kratos and GE Aerospace complete altitude testing on GEK800 engine

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) announced the successful completion of altitude testing on the GEK800 engine, designed for unmanned aerial systems and collaborative combat aircraft.

The testing began in late September and concluded this week with engine limits testing. The companies conducted durability and limits testing in collaboration with Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories at the newly expanded ZL9 test facility.

"Successfully completing altitude testing marks a major milestone in the GEK800 engine program and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with GE Aerospace, AFRL, and Purdue University's Zucrow Laboratories," said Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies.

The test team expanded the altitude testing envelope and identified the engine's rotor speed limits and compressive system boundaries, according to Mark Rettig, Vice President & General Manager of Edison Works Business & Technology Development at GE Aerospace.

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. The companies began collaborating in 2023 and have completed more than 50 engine starts in ground testing at their facilities.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research supported the testing efforts. This marks the first engine test at the newly expanded ZL9 test facility at Zucrow Labs.

In June, Kratos and GE Aerospace signed a teaming agreement to advance propulsion technologies for affordable unmanned aerial systems and collaborative combat aircraft. The agreement builds on a previous memorandum of understanding and provides a framework for developing, manufacturing, testing, and fielding the GEK800 engine.

Kratos has over 25 years of experience developing engines for unmanned platforms, while GE Aerospace brings propulsion technology expertise and high-rate production capabilities.

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