GE and Kratos GEK800 turbofan completes first ignition test

GE Aerospace and Kratos have completed the first ignition test of their GEK800 turbofan engine, a powerplant intended for cruise missiles. The companies said the initial power-on took place at the X-58 test facility in San Diego, California, using the first serial-numbered engine.

The two firms disclosed the GEK800 effort in July 2024 at the Farnborough air show. The US Air Force gave the engine the designation F143-ZZ-100 in August 2026 and awarded an initial engineering, manufacturing and development contract, according to the companies.

The design is pitched at long-range and stand-off strike requirements, with an emphasis on low cost and the ability to be produced quickly. Kratos and GE say the engine is meant to let military forces field large numbers of uncrewed aircraft and munitions while keeping lifecycle costs down, and to give prime contractors more competitive missile offerings for government procurement programmes.

Chris Rawlings, vice-president of Kratos' defense engine portfolio, said the combined industry and government test team set a benchmark for operational efficiency and showed that turbine engines can be developed affordably and at pace. Stacey Rock, president of Kratos' Turbine Technologies Division, said the company is preparing for large-volume production of the GEK800 to support advanced cruise missile systems.

With ignition complete, the programme now moves into further testing ahead of integration and, eventually, production.