Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced a joint U.S. Air Force contract worth $12.4 million to design a next-generation engine for small Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The initial phase will complete the preliminary design of the GEK1500, targeting demanding performance requirements while meeting aggressive cost goals to enable affordable mass production.
Stacey Rock, President of Kratos’ Turbine Technologies Division, said the GEK1500 builds on the success of the GEK800 program and demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance, affordable jet engines that can be rapidly produced for defense customers.
Steve “Doogie” Russell, Vice President and General Manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, added that lessons from recent GEK800 altitude testing are directly informing the GEK1500’s development—improving thrust, power generation, and lifecycle cost while maintaining affordability and schedule.
The GEK1500 is a 1,500-pound-thrust jet engine designed to power unmanned aerial systems, CCAs, and missiles. Its design leverages the GEK800 cruise missile engine architecture, which is nearing technical maturation. If exercised, a contract option would allow the team to assess key design risks and evaluate engine performance under representative flight and installation conditions.
Recent GEK800 altitude tests demonstrated technologies that increase range and thrust, reduce lifecycle costs, and boost electrical power. These advances are expected to shorten development timelines and lower costs for the GEK1500 while enhancing performance for small CCAs.
In June, Kratos and GE Aerospace formalized a teaming agreement to advance propulsion technologies for affordable unmanned systems and CCA-type aircraft, expanding on a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. Kratos contributes more than 25 years of small-engine expertise, while GE Aerospace brings a century of propulsion experience and the ability to scale advanced designs into high-rate production.
Source: Kratos