UNITED STATES

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced the successful inaugural flight of its Erinyes Hypersonic Test Bed. The launch, which took place on June 12, 2024, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, represents a pivotal moment in the United States' pursuit of advanced hypersonic technologies.

Advertisment

The flight, designated as Hypersonic Test Bed-1 (HTB-1), was a collaborative effort involving Kratos' Space & Missile Defense Systems Business Unit, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). This successful demonstration has opened new avenues for rapid hypersonic experimentation within the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Erinyes platform's maiden voyage achieved hypersonic flight, enabling the collection of crucial data for multiple experiments. This data will be invaluable to test teams for design validation and the evaluation of new technologies in the hypersonic realm.

Dave Carter, President of Kratos' Defense & Rocket Support Systems (DRSS) Division, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating, "Hypersonic experimenters now have a robust and affordable path across the Technology Readiness Level. The ability to demonstrate experimental technologies on a real hypersonic flight testbed, without adding risk to programs of record, is game-changing." Carter also expressed pride in his team's accomplishment and announced plans for future tests incorporating new experiments.

Advertisment

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, highlighted the flight's success as a testament to Kratos' innovative approach in developing cutting-edge technology systems. He emphasised the company's strategy of being first to market with leading technologies, which accelerates development and delivery schedules while significantly reducing costs.

DeMarco also pointed out the potential of Kratos' rocket and hypersonic systems development programs to disrupt the market with affordable, relevant systems. He expressed confidence that the hypersonic franchise, including Erinyes, Zeus, Oriole, and other systems, will be a key contributor to Kratos' expected future organic growth trajectory.

The successful flight of the Erinyes Hypersonic Test Bed aligns with Kratos' broader mission to expand the U.S. National Security Industrial Base, increase competition, reduce costs, and deliver significant value to all stakeholders, including government customers like the MDA and U.S. Navy.

Advertisment

This achievement builds upon Kratos' long-standing service to the U.S. hypersonic community, where the company has been involved in novel system and vehicle flight testing for decades. The Erinyes platform represents a culmination of this experience and expertise, offering a new tool for advancing hypersonic research and development.

The implications of this successful flight extend beyond Kratos and its partners. It signifies a major step forward in the United States' capabilities in hypersonic technology, an area of intense global competition and strategic importance. The ability to conduct affordable and rapid hypersonic experiments could accelerate the development of advanced defence systems and maintain the U.S.'s technological edge in this critical field.