Kratos’ Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator Named Infrastructure Game Changer by American Society of Civil Engineers

Rhea-AI Summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) has announced its Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) has been recognized as an 'Infrastructure Gamechanger' by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in their 2021 Report Card for American Infrastructure. Developed in collaboration with Royal Truck & Equipment, this driverless technology aims to enhance safety in highway maintenance operations by shielding workers from errant drivers, potentially reducing fatal accidents. Since its 2017 launch, Kratos' ATMA has driven over 2,000 miles and is deployed in multiple states and the UK.

Positive

• Recognition as an 'Infrastructure Gamechanger' by ASCE highlights Kratos' innovation in road safety.
• Kratos' ATMA has driven over 2,000 miles since 2017, showcasing operational reliability.
• Collaboration with Royal Truck & Equipment strengthens Kratos' position in the safety truck manufacturing sector.

Negative

• None.

SAN DIEGO, March 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider and industry-leading provider of high-performance unmanned systems, today announced its Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA), a driverless version of mobile crash barriers, has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as an “Infrastructure Gamechanger” in the organization’s 2021 Report Card for American Infrastructure.  

ASCE combed through successful solutions across the major infrastructure sectors to identify the most innovative game changers and identified North Dakota’s pilot program utilizing Kratos’ ATMA which was developed in collaboration with Royal Truck & Equipment, the nation’s largest producer of Truck Mounted Attenuator vehicles.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44f5d400-93ba-457f-b2ed-01041ca52ea5.

In the commercial highway maintenance industry, driving a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is one of the most dangerous task assignments in the work zone. The TMA vehicle functions as a human-driven mobile crash barrier following behind slow moving highway maintenance operations shielding those workers and equipment from errant drivers entering the work zone. Workers assigned to drive the TMA are at serious risk of lifelong injury if/when their TMA is impacted by another vehicle which can range from a family sedan to an 80,000-pound tanker truck traveling at 60 mph or more. In the United States, there are more than 12 crash-related fatalities every week in the road work zone.

Kratos’ Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator, a driverless TMA used during road construction and highway maintenance vehicles, shields workers and equipment ahead from errant drivers entering the work zone. Hundreds of lives are lost in the U.S. annually with manned TMAs. By removing the human from the most dangerous assignment in mobile highway operations, Kratos’ ATMA has the potential to save lives and change this deadly trend.

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “Kratos is a leading innovator in development and application of affordable unmanned technologies. Our disruptive solutions have consistently been game changers in defense applications, and we are proud to now be recognized for providing a game-changing infrastructure solution that will save lives on America’s roadways.”

Rob Roy, Owner and President of Royal Truck & Equipment, said, “Royal is committed to continuously raising the bar with TMA truck safety. The ATMA, built in partnership with Kratos, is just one of the many ways we’re dedicated to improving and innovating work zone safety.”

Kratos Unmanned Systems’ ATMAs have driven more than 2,000 miles since launch in 2017, and in addition to the ongoing pilot in North Dakota, Kratos ATMAs are currently deployed in California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and Tennessee, as well as the United Kingdom.

About Royal Truck & Equipment: Founded in 1982, Royal Truck & Equipment is North America’s largest manufacturer of TMA and Safety Trucks. The company is committed to producing trucks that meet or exceed the strictest safety standards in the industry. Visit www.royaltruckandequipment.com for more information.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos 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 White
858-812-7302 Direct

Investor Information:
877-934-4687
investor@kratosdefense.com 

FAQ

What is the Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) announced by Kratos (KTOS)?

The ATMA is a driverless mobile crash barrier designed to enhance safety for workers during highway maintenance by shielding them from errant drivers.

Why was Kratos' ATMA recognized as an 'Infrastructure Gamechanger'?

It was acknowledged by the ASCE for its innovative approach to improving safety in highway work zones.

In which states is Kratos' ATMA currently deployed?

Kratos' ATMA is deployed in California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom.

How many miles has Kratos' ATMA driven since its launch?

The ATMA has driven over 2,000 miles since its launch in 2017.

What impact does the ATMA aim to have on road safety?

The ATMA aims to save lives by reducing the risk associated with human-driven Truck Mounted Attenuators in work zones.