Insider Brief
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has been awarded a five-year contract worth up to $1.45 billion to lead the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 initiative under Task Area 1.
- The program, overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Test Resource Management Center, aims to advance hypersonic flight testing capabilities.
- Kratos’ role includes developing integrated subscale and full-scale hypersonic systems and providing air-launch services to increase testing capacity at reduced costs.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced it has been awarded a five-year contract worth up to $1.45 billion to lead the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 initiative under Task Area 1. The program, overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), aims to advance hypersonic flight testing capabilities. MACH-TB provides a critical bridge between ground testing and full-scale system testing, reducing development risks and accelerating technology transition to operational use.
Contract Scope
Kratos will manage systems engineering, integration, and testing (SEIT) as the prime contractor for Task Area 1. The company’s role includes developing integrated subscale and full-scale hypersonic systems and providing air-launch services to increase testing capacity at reduced costs. Kratos leads a team of subcontractors, including Rocket Lab, Leidos, and Stratolaunch, among others, to support mission planning, assembly, and launch operations.
Hypersonic Flight Testing Focus
George Rumford, Director of TRMC, emphasized MACH-TB’s importance in expediting the development of hypersonic technologies. “MACH-TB accelerates the transition of advanced science into operational hypersonic capabilities,” he said. Michael Johns, Senior Vice President of Kratos SRE, highlighted the nation’s urgent need for affordable hypersonic testing, noting that MACH-TB fills a critical gap.
Kratos brings its expertise in hypersonic systems, including its Erinyes Hypersonic Flyer and Zeus Solid Rocket Motors, to the project. Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services, called MACH-TB 2.0 a continuation of their leadership in hypersonic testing and development.
Industry and Strategic Impact
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, described the contract as a significant milestone for the company. He credited the award as a reflection of Kratos’ commitment to delivering cost-effective, mission-critical solutions. “This program strengthens our role in supporting U.S. national security while positioning Kratos for future growth,” DeMarco stated.
The MACH-TB 2.0 program is a key component of OUSD’s National Hypersonic Initiative 2.0, designed to advance U.S. hypersonic capabilities and reduce development timelines. By enhancing testing infrastructure and leveraging advanced engineering approaches, the initiative aims to ensure rapid deployment of next-generation systems.
Image credit: Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
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