Nichols Martin
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions plans to commence payload tests of the XQ-58A unmanned aircraft system by next year’s first quarter, Flight Global reported Thursday.
The company expects to receive a contract this month for the integration of autonomy and communications payloads into the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a Kratos-made experimental UAS designed for stealth combat.
Kratos is developing Valkyrie with Air Force Research Laboratory, but will test the payloads for a different, undisclosed U.S. defense entity.
The U.S. Air Force holds one Valkyrie unit, while two others are under development with Kratos. Kratos develops Valkyrie under AFRL’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology portfolio.
Valkyrie had its maiden flight in March this year.
