Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has been awarded a $68.3 million contract by the U.S. Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program to establish a state-of-the-art mid-tier arc-jet and fiber-laser facility for testing hypersonic materials. The new facility aims to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge materials from laboratory research to operational defense systems.
The facility will feature a 25-megawatt arc jet, designed to replicate the extreme thermal environments faced by hypersonic vehicles, alongside a 200-kilowatt fiber laser, capable of delivering concentrated high-temperature testing. This combination allows realistic evaluation of thermal protection systems, bridging the critical gap between small-scale laboratory tests and large government testing complexes.
“By providing a platform that combines high-fidelity arc-jet simulation with precision laser heating, we can better understand how materials perform under hypersonic conditions and fast-track their deployment into operational systems,” a Kratos spokesperson said.
The project will also involve collaborations with North Wind and New Horizon 5, fostering innovation and industry partnerships that are essential for advanced defense research. Once operational, the facility is expected to support all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as broader strategic defense initiatives.
Recent Projects and Strategic Partnerships
Kratos has recently been active in expanding its defense and aerospace portfolio through multiple high-profile agreements:
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U.S. Navy AN/SPY-1 Radar Support: Earlier this month, the Navy selected Kratos to establish an in-house maintenance and support program for AN/SPY-1 radars deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers.
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Chaparral Cargo Drone Production: In September, California-based Elroy Air contracted Kratos to manufacture its hybrid-electric, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing cargo drone under a five-year agreement.
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Prometheus Energetics Joint Venture: Kratos and Israeli defense firm Rafael launched Prometheus Energetics earlier this year to develop solid rocket motors for military applications. Operating from a 500-acre site near Crane, Indiana, the venture is equally owned by both companies and backed with $175 million in capital for research and operations.
The mid-tier hypersonic testing facility represents a significant step in the U.S. defense sector’s push toward faster, more efficient testing of advanced materials for hypersonic and strategic programs. By providing realistic thermal testing capabilities and fostering collaboration across the defense industry, Kratos continues to position itself at the forefront of military technology development.
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