Enhanced With A Suite Of Mission Systems Normally Found On Manned Aircraft

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions recently completed a flight test series evaluating the next evolution of the UTAP-22 Mako Unmanned Aerial System that was first introduced and demonstrated in late 2015.  

The Mako has been enhanced with a suite of mission systems typically employed on manned aircraft and now integrated with the unmanned Mako drone system.  By combining the Mako's autonomous capabilities previously demonstrated through single UAS, multi-UAS, and manned/unmanned collaborative operations with the latest mission set capability, the operational utility of the Mako is now established at the next level.

The Kratos UTAP-22 is a high performance unmanned jet aircraft designed specifically for tactical missions and tactical payload operations/delivery with key features focused on survivability in challenging and hostile environments.  The results from this demonstration flight series validated the concept and technical readiness of Kratos' tactical UAVs with fighter like performance operating collaboratively with each other and collaboratively with manned aircraft. The Kratos technology is scalable, enabling multiple unmanned aircraft and manned aircraft to be deployed simultaneously without requiring an operator for each unmanned aircraft.

"The successful demonstration series is an unprecedented accomplishment and an important step towards our entry in the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems market," said Jerry Beaman, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division in 2015 when the system was first tested. "Manned/Unmanned teaming of tactical aircraft with a UAV capable of tactical speeds and maneuverability will provide the warfighter with an inexpensive force multiplier and unmanned wingman; an unprecedented capability."

(Source: Kratos news release)

FMI: ir.kratosdefense.com