Hypersonix and Kratos Sign Agreement to Develop and Fly DART AE Hypersonic Drone

Rhea-AI Summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) has partnered with Hypersonix Launch Systems to develop the DART AE, a multi-mission hypersonic drone. This collaboration aims to demonstrate the drone's capabilities in 2023, utilizing a fifth-generation SPARTAN hydrogen scramjet engine with a range of 500km. The project leverages Kratos' expertise in hypersonic launch systems, showcasing innovative technology designed for speed and sustainability, with potential applications in satellite launches and high-speed aviation.

Positive

• Partnership with Hypersonix enhances Kratos' position in hypersonic technology.
• Demonstration flight of DART AE planned for 2023 showcases innovative capabilities.
• SPARTAN engine offers zero emissions and efficient performance.

Negative

• None.

System to be Powered by Fifth-Generation SPARTAN, Zero Emission, Clean Hydrogen Scramjet Engine

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd. and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) have signed an agreement to launch the DART AE multi-mission hypersonic drone technology demonstrator. In the Hypersonix Kratos Team’s (the “Team”) submission to the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) Grants Program 2, the Team is planning for a launch and initial demonstration flight of the DART AE Hypersonic Drone System in 2023.

The Hypersonix DART AE, a multi-mission, hypersonic drone, will be fully 3D-printed out of exquisite high-temperature materials and powered by a single, fifth-generation SPARTAN, zero emission, clean hydrogen scramjet engine with a publicly disclosable range of 500km.

Kratos brings to the team and proposed effort its extensive digital engineering capabilities and sounding rocket booster integration and launch experience. The Kratos booster system will accelerate the DART AE drone to a speed greater than Mach 5 and release the vehicle, ignition of the Drone scramjet engine will occur, and autonomous flight of DART AE will proceed along a programmed flight path to a predetermined landing location.

Hypersonix Launch Systems is an Australian Aerospace Engineering company, specialising in the design and build of scramjet engines and hypersonic vehicles. Their SPARTAN scramjet engine is hydrogen fueled and designed to operate between Mach 5 and 12 in support of multiple missions.

Kratos is a leading provider of innovative products and solutions supporting ballistic missile targets, hypersonic systems, sub-orbital research, sounding rockets, unmanned drone systems, turbine technologies, directed energy and laser program systems. Kratos has significant experience in launching Australian hypersonic “experiments”, having been involved with multiple hypersonic launches in collaboration with the Defence and Science Technology Group, investigating the fundamental science of hypersonic technology and its potential for next generation aeronautical propulsion systems for technical, commercial and security purposes.

Kratos’ extensive involvement in past hypersonic experimental flight test programs demonstrates their ability to launch a variety of hypersonic vehicles and makes them a unique and highly qualified partner and teammate for Hypersonix, as the launch provider for the first DART AE flight in 2023.

“Kratos is excited to team up with Hypersonix on this innovative project and we look forward to supporting their development and the integration and flight of this truly disruptive and enabling Australian technology. DART AE is an ideal opportunity for Kratos to further showcase our extensive hypersonic launch system capability” said David Carter, President of Kratos’ Defense Rocket & Support Services Division.

David Waterhouse, Hypersonix Managing Director and Co-Founder adds: “Kratos is an experienced launch provider who has a proven track record of launching payloads around the world. They understand hypersonic technology and flight and are ready to support us with the first launch of our transformative technology that will be faster, more sustainable, and more efficient than current technology. It is incredibly exciting to work with the Kratos team on this project and we are thrilled to share this news today with the public. “

ABOUT HYPERSONIX
Hypersonix Launch Systems is an Australian engineering, design and build company specializing in scramjet engines and hypersonic technology. Hypersonix is developing several hypersonic vehicles that fly at hypersonic speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 12 with zero CO₂ emissions, only water vapor, and have applications in both satellite launch and high-speed aviation.

For more information, please watch the company video at https://vimeo.com/538520388 and go to www.hypersonix.com.au.

ABOUT KRATOS
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, 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 specialise 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 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.

FAQ

What is the DART AE hypersonic drone project announced by Kratos (KTOS)?

The DART AE is a multi-mission hypersonic drone being developed by Kratos in collaboration with Hypersonix, aimed for demonstration in 2023.

What technology powers the DART AE drone?

The DART AE will be powered by a fifth-generation SPARTAN, zero emission, clean hydrogen scramjet engine.

When is the first flight of the DART AE scheduled?

The initial demonstration flight of the DART AE is planned for 2023.

What are the applications of the DART AE hypersonic drone?

The DART AE has applications in satellite launches and high-speed aviation.

How does the partnership with Hypersonix benefit Kratos (KTOS)?

This partnership enhances Kratos' capabilities in hypersonic technology and positions them as a leader in innovative aerospace solutions.