The United States Air Force has awarded a combined $12.4 million contract to GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to develop a next-generation expendable engine for smaller Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Under the initial phase, the partners will finalize the preliminary design of the GEK1500, ensuring that performance objectives are closely matched with affordability goals to enable cost-effective, large-scale production.
The GEK1500 is a compact jet engine capable of producing 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) of thrust and is intended to power CCA drones as well as certain missile systems. Its architecture is derived from the GEK800 cruise missile engine, which is approaching the end of its technical maturation process.
If the contract’s optional phase is activated, the team will conduct further risk-reduction assessments and validate engine performance under realistic flight and installation conditions.
Drawing on experience from the GEK800 program, the GEK1500’s development is expected to benefit from reduced timelines and lower costs while delivering improved capability. Recent high-altitude testing of the GEK800 has proven key technologies aimed at extending range, increasing thrust output, lowering lifecycle expenses, and boosting onboard electrical power for future platforms.
