Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and GE Aerospace have announced that their jointly developed engine, the GEK800, has completed altitude, durability, and operational limits testing.
The GEK800 is an 800‑pound (363-kilogram) thrust‑class turbofan engine intended for next‑generation unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and missile platforms.
The testing campaign took place at the newly expanded ZL9 facility of the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
It focused on identifying rotor speed and compressor limits under simulated high-altitude conditions, following over 50 engine starts completed during earlier ground testing.
According to Kratos, the testing, involving collaboration with the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the Office of Naval Research, marks a key step toward production and deployment.
“This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the engine’s development, validating its performance, and accelerating its path toward production,” stated Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies.
“We’re delivering on our shared commitment to provide high-performance, affordable propulsion systems that can be rapidly produced to meet the demands of our defense customers.”
The GEK800 engine project, unveiled last year, was initially developed and ground-tested by Kratos over the past decade and entered further joint development with GE Aerospace in 2023.
Kratos’ Global Partnerships
While supplying key technology to the US, Kratos is also expanding globally through international collaborations and developing advanced systems for air combat, unmanned platforms, and next-generation military applications.
Last month, the US-based firm partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for future combat aircraft, aiming to integrate crewed and autonomous systems.
In July, Germany’s Airbus Defence and Space teamed with Kratos to provide the XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone to the German Air Force, with delivery expected by 2029.
