By Garrett Reim2021-05-07T22:23:00+01:00
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions expects to deliver its first production unit of the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to the US Air Force (USAF) “in the next couple of months”.
That’s according to comments from Eric DeMarco, Kratos chief executive, on a first quarter earnings call on 5 May. The company started production of a dozen examples of the stealthy combat UAV on its own dime in 2020, ahead of an anticipated contract with the USAF.
Source: US Air Force
Kratos is anticipating that the XQ-58A Valkyrie will move toward operations
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Advanced Aircraft Program Executive Office granted the manufacturer a $37.7 million contract in December 2020 for the XQ-58A as part of the Skyborg programme, an effort to create software and hardware for autonomous control of loyal wingman UAVs that can fly and fight alongside manned fighters, Kratos said on 7 May. The Skyborg autonomy core sy
06 May 2021 (Last Updated May 6th, 2021 11:38)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has reported strong results in the first quarter of this year recording growth across several businesses.
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Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has reported strong results in the first quarter of this year recording growth across several businesses.
The company’s quarterly revenues jumped 15% on a year-on-year basis to $194.2m in Q1 2021. The figure was $168.9m in the same quarter a year ago.
The increase was attributed to the organic growth in Kratos’ Unmanned Systems, Space and Satellite, C5ISR, Microwave Products, Rocket Support Systems and Turbine Technology businesses.
Operating income in the quarter stood at $4.9m, increasing from $4.7m in the first quarter of 2020.
By Garrett Reim2021-05-06T19:52:00+01:00
The US Air Force’s (USAF’s) Skyborg autonomy core system flew for the first time aboard a Kratos UTAP-22 Mako tactical unmanned vehicle (UAV) at Tyndall AFB in Florida.
During a 2h 10min flight test on 29 April, the Skyborg system demonstrated several “foundational behaviours” necessary to characterise safe operation of the autonomous system, the USAF said on 5 May.
Source: US Air Force
Kratos’ UTAP-22 Mako demonstrates the Skyborg system’s capabilities
“The [autonomy core system] demonstrated basic aviation capabilities and responded to navigational commands, while reacting to geo-fences, adhering to aircraft flight envelopes, and demonstrating coordinated manoeuvring,” says the service. “It was monitored from both airborne and ground command and control stations.”
Operator
Good day and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Kratos Defense & Security Solutions First Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] After the speakers presentation there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions].
I would now like to hand the conference to your speaker today, Marie Mendoza, Senior VP and General Counsel. Please go ahead.
Marie Mendoza
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us for the Kratos Defense & Security Solutions first quarter 2021 conference call. With me today is Eric DeMarco, Kratos President and Chief Executive Officer; and Deanna Lund, Kratos Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.