Kratos to build turbojet engine facility in Oklahoma

The GEK800 engine, developed by GE Aerospace and Kratos. (Kratos Defense & Security Solutions)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Bristow, Oklahoma, to produce the GE Aerospace-Kratos (GEK) family of turbojet engines, the company announced on 16 June.

The new facility will be built near Kratos' existing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bristow, a company spokesperson told Janes on 24 June. “The partnerships built with state and local officials and our ability to recruit a skilled workforce strongly influenced our decision to expand further in Bristow,” the spokesperson said.

The initial 50,000 sq ft turbojet engine facility is expected to grow to 100,000 sq ft to accommodate up to five GEK engine production lines, the spokesperson noted, adding that the additional four lines will be added in a phased approach. “The type of engines on each line will be determined by demand, with a family of affordable, scaled engines envisioned,” according to the spokesperson.

Each line is expected to produce 500 engines annually. Kratos plans to eventually increase this to 1,000 engines annually per line, the spokesperson said. This production is “aimed primarily at the US market. However, the potential exists to support our US allies”, the spokesperson noted.

Powerplants in the 600–6,000 lb thrust class can be produced at the site, the statement said.

Janes reported at the time that the facility will initially focus on the GEK800, which produces 800 lb of thrust, which is being developed with GE Aerospace under an agreement made public in early June. The companies are also developing the GEK1500, which would produce 1,500 lb of thrust.