Kratos UTAP-22 Mako

Overview:

The Kratos Unmanned Tactical Aerial Platform (UTAP-22) is a ‘loyal wingman’ type system which ‘provides the warfighter with an affordable, fighter-like unmanned aircraft capable of collaborative operations with manned assets in contested environments.’ ^[1]Kratos Defense, ‘UTAP-22 Mako’, https://www.kratosdefense.com/-/media/k/pdf/usd/utap-22.pdf; see also Military Factory, ‘Kratos UTAP-22 Mako’, … Continue reading

The drone was ‘unveiled during a swarm flight demonstration at the US Navy test range at China Lake, California in December 2015.’ ^[2]Airforce technology, ‘Mako Unmanned Tactical Aerial Platform-22 (UTAP22)’, https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mako-unmanned-tactical-aerial-platform-22-utap22/ The system remains in testing with the US Air Force.

Autonomy:

In May 2021, it was reported that the UTAP-22 appeared to be ‘carrying additional sensors, perhaps including an infrared search and track system’and that a UTAP-22 had been ‘modified to operate under its own computerized control as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Autonomous Attritable Aircraft Experiment.’ At the time of reporting, ‘this flight was the closest a manned fighter has flown to an unmanned aircraft under autonomous control in the history of the Department of Defense.’^[3]The Drive, ‘Kratos Mako loyal wingman drone emerges with major modifications for Skyborg trials’, … Continue reading

The unmanned aircraft is capable of ‘collaborative operations with manned assets in contested environments. With an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet and a top speed exceeding .9 Mach, the Kratos UTAP-22 high-performance design provides an unmanned partner/wingman to the warfighter.’^[4]Kratos Defense, ‘Tactical UAVs’, https://www.kratosdefense.com/systems-and-platforms/unmanned-systems/aerial/tactical-uavs