Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a contract worth $34.8 million to continue supporting the U.S. Marine Corps’ XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial system (UAS). This new deal will help advance the development of the Valkyrie drone by providing vital support for mission systems and integration work. Kratos will also assist with flight testing and engineering, ensuring that the drone’s capabilities remain cutting-edge.
The Valkyrie is part of the U.S. military’s push to use uncrewed systems that can work alongside manned fighter jets, improving overall mission effectiveness while reducing costs. The drone’s mission is to act as a “wingman” for advanced fighter jets like the F-35, providing additional support in scouting and combat operations.
What is the XQ-58A Valkyrie?
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a highly autonomous, low-cost drone designed to support the U.S. military’s fleet of manned fighter aircraft. It can carry payloads up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms) and has a wingspan of 27 feet (8 meters). The drone is powered by a Williams FJ33 turbofan engine, allowing it to reach speeds of over Mach 0.9 (691 miles/1,111 kilometers per hour). The Valkyrie is also capable of flying at altitudes up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), with a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers).
By testing and deploying these drones, the military hopes to explore ways to reduce the overall cost and time of developing new manned aircraft systems. Kratos’ continued involvement with the Valkyrie project will ensure the success of future flights and mission capabilities.
Kratos’ Ongoing Contribution
Kratos’ involvement in this project is focused on several areas. They will continue to provide support for mission systems and subsystem integrations as part of the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer (PAACK) portfolio. The goal is to integrate these systems into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft program.
This contract will also cover non-recurring engineering tasks and materials needed for additional flight tests. The work will be conducted at various locations, including California, Oklahoma, and Maryland, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the Valkyrie’s systems meet the operational requirements of the U.S. military.
The Importance of Uncrewed Systems
The Valkyrie is proving that uncrewed systems can significantly enhance military capabilities. By acting as a companion to manned fighter jets, drones like the Valkyrie can take on high-risk roles, such as reconnaissance or target acquisition, without putting human lives in danger. This collaboration between uncrewed drones and manned jets helps to stretch the lifespan of current fighter aircraft while saving on costs related to developing new manned systems.
In addition to its tactical benefits, the Valkyrie also supports the U.S. military’s efforts to keep up with rapidly changing security environments. As the demand for advanced military technologies grows, having reliable, low-cost drones that can work alongside manned aircraft will be a key factor in maintaining an edge over potential adversaries.
What’s Next for Kratos and the Valkyrie?
As part of its ongoing work with the Valkyrie program, Kratos is testing various systems, such as a new trolley-based launch system and an electronic warfare attack suite. These tests will ensure that the Valkyrie is equipped to handle a variety of challenging situations, whether it’s supporting fighter jets in combat or taking on more specialized tasks like electronic warfare.
Kratos is also looking into ways that the Valkyrie can be used in future missions to support other branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Air Force and Army. By expanding the Valkyrie’s capabilities, the U.S. military aims to create a more flexible and effective fighting force that can respond to threats quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
The partnership between Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and the U.S. Marine Corps is helping push the development of the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone to new heights. With its ability to work alongside manned aircraft, reduce costs, and improve mission effectiveness, the Valkyrie is quickly becoming an essential part of the U.S. military’s strategy for the future. As the project moves forward, Kratos will continue to provide the support needed to ensure that the Valkyrie remains a vital asset for the U.S. military.
(Source : thedefensepost.com)
