Air-launched unmanned vehicle to reduce lead times in development with Kratos
NewsJuly 12, 2021
SAN DIEGO, Calif. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced that it has partnered with North American Wave Engine Corporation to develop the Versatile Air-Launched Platform (VALP), an air-launched vehicle designed to leverage and demonstrate low-cost, high-impact technologies for future aerial systems.
According to company officials, the VALP will use Wave Engine Corp.'s propulsion technology with the intent to bend the cost curve and reduce lead times for capabilities necessary to challenge near peer adversaries.
In June 2021, Wave Engine Corp. was awarded a $1 million contract from the United States Air Force Armament Directorate to build and demonstrate the VALP as part of the USAF’s efforts to develop high-impact technologies critical to the future of aviation and aerial combat.
In support of this contract award, Kratos claims that it will be leading the aerodynamic and structural design of the airframe, as well as providing systems engineering support.
