Kratos and Hypersonix Launch Systems have signed a teaming agreement to offer scramjet demonstrators for US customers.
The partnership will expand the presence of the DART AE (additive manufacturing) drone across the country and promote the system to the US Department of Defense and other national security agencies.
Kratos and Hypersonix first announced the teaming in January 2022.
“To team with a demonstrated, proven industry leader like Kratos, to provide this game-changing capability, is a significant step forward for our Company, our stakeholders and the successful execution of our strategy and business plan,” Hypersonix CEO David Waterhouse stated.
“We are proud that DART AE will fill an important role, including as a hypersonic test system and platform, collecting critical flight data related to multiple mission applications at hypersonic speeds.”
DART AE
DART AE is a 3D-printed multi-mission system employed for single-use tests in support of hypersonic technologies.
The three-meter platform is built with a high-temperature alloy, equipped with Kratos’ Spartan air-breathing solid rocket engine and powered by hydrogen fuel.
20 Drones for Kratos
During the signing, Kratos agreed to initially buy up to 20 DART AE units from Hypersonix once the drone’s combined flight system integration and tests are complete.
“This exclusive partnership and Kratos’ potential procurement of up to 20 DART AE systems, enables the Kratos/Hypersonix Team to be first-to-market with a relevant capability, in support of US and Australia hypersonic initiatives,” Kratos Defense & Rocket Systems President Dave Carter said.
“With Kratos’ Zeus family of solid rocket launch systems, Kratos’ Erinyes and Dark Fury hypersonic flyers, and the DART AE hypersonic vehicle, we can rapidly provide incredible capability to the hypersonic community at an affordable cost.”
