The Kratos UTAP-22 Mako UCAV is a tactical unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed for ISR, combat support, and autonomous operations.
The Kratos UTAP-22 Mako is a tactical unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed for a wide range of military applications. Designed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, it features a high-speed, jet-powered design optimized for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. With a length of 20 feet (6.1 meters) and a wingspan of 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), the Mako is compact yet capable. It is powered by a single Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine, enabling it to reach speeds of 0.91 Mach (700 mph or 1,127 km/h). The UCAV has a maximum operational range of 1,400 nautical miles (2,593 km) and can operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters). Equipped with advanced avionics, it supports autonomous operations and can collaborate with manned platforms in Loyal Wingman roles. Its modular design allows for payload flexibility, including ISR systems and weaponry.
History of the development of the Kratos UTAP-22 Mako
The development of the Kratos UTAP-22 Mako emerged from the growing need for cost-effective and versatile unmanned systems in modern military operations. By the early 2010s, the shift towards autonomous and unmanned platforms was accelerating, driven by advancements in technology and the need to reduce risks to human pilots in contested environments. Recognizing this trend, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions began conceptualizing a high-performance unmanned aerial vehicle capable of supporting various military missions.
The Mako project officially commenced in 2012, under Kratos’ initiative to create tactical UAVs tailored for roles such as ISR, electronic warfare, and Loyal Wingman missions. The program sought to develop an unmanned system that could complement manned aircraft by performing as a decoy, jammer, or precision strike platform. The company leveraged its experience in target drone systems, particularly the BQM-167 Skeeter, as a foundation for the Mako.
The first prototype of the UTAP-22 Mako was unveiled in 2015, featuring a jet-powered design and modular architecture. The aircraft was intended to address operational gaps in the U.S. military’s unmanned capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper. The Mako’s design emphasized speed, payload flexibility, and the ability to operate autonomously or in coordination with manned assets.
The aircraft’s maiden flight occurred in 2015, during which it demonstrated its ability to operate autonomously and execute pre-programmed mission profiles. Subsequent testing focused on refining its avionics, communication systems, and payload integration. By 2016, the Mako had successfully demonstrated its Loyal Wingman capability, flying alongside manned fighter aircraft and executing coordinated maneuvers.
The UTAP-22 Mako’s development was driven by the U.S. Department of Defense’s interest in low-cost unmanned systems capable of enhancing operational flexibility. It was also aligned with the Air Force’s broader strategy of developing “attributable” systems—aircraft that are inexpensive enough to be expendable if necessary but still capable of delivering significant operational value.
As of the late 2010s, the Mako had undergone multiple test phases, proving its utility in diverse roles. While it has not been widely adopted in operational settings, the UTAP-22 remains a key example of Kratos’ commitment to developing innovative unmanned solutions for modern warfare.
Design of the Kratos UTAP-22 Mako
The design of the Kratos UTAP-22 Mako prioritizes speed, flexibility, and adaptability. Built with a sleek, jet-powered configuration, the aircraft is optimized for tactical missions requiring high performance and modularity. Its compact dimensions include a length of 20 feet (6.1 meters) and a wingspan of 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), making it small enough to be easily deployed yet capable of carrying significant payloads.
The airframe is constructed from lightweight composite materials, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity. This design allows the Mako to achieve speeds of up to 0.91 Mach (700 mph or 1,127 km/h), enabling it to keep pace with manned fighter aircraft during Loyal Wingman missions. Its maximum takeoff weight is approximately 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms), providing ample capacity for various payloads.
Powering the UTAP-22 is a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine, which delivers thrust sufficient for high-speed operations and efficient fuel consumption. The aircraft’s fuel tanks are designed to maximize range without compromising performance, enabling it to cover 1,400 nautical miles (2,593 kilometers) per mission.
The avionics suite of the UTAP-22 includes advanced flight control systems, a secure datalink for communication with ground stations and manned aircraft, and autonomous navigation capabilities. Its mission systems are modular, allowing operators to integrate various payloads based on mission requirements. These can include ISR sensors, electronic warfare equipment, and precision-guided munitions.
The Mako’s design also incorporates features for survivability and operational flexibility. While it lacks stealth characteristics, its small size and high speed make it difficult to detect and intercept. Additionally, the aircraft’s modular architecture ensures it can be quickly reconfigured for different missions, reducing operational costs and increasing versatility.
Performance of the Kratos UTAP-22 Mako
The UTAP-22 Mako delivers impressive performance metrics for a tactical unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Its jet-powered configuration, compact size, and advanced avionics enable it to perform a variety of missions effectively.
The aircraft is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine, which produces a maximum thrust of approximately 3,600 pounds-force (16 kN). This engine provides the Mako with a top speed of 0.91 Mach (700 mph or 1,127 km/h), allowing it to operate alongside manned fighter jets in coordinated operations.
The Mako has an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), enabling it to perform ISR missions at high altitudes. Its range of 1,400 nautical miles (2,593 kilometers) ensures it can cover large operational areas, making it suitable for long-range missions. The aircraft’s endurance is further enhanced by its fuel-efficient engine, which maximizes operational time without compromising speed or performance.
Payload capacity is another critical aspect of the UTAP-22’s performance. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms), the aircraft can carry various mission-specific payloads, including ISR systems, electronic warfare equipment, and precision-guided munitions. Its modular payload bay allows operators to customize the aircraft for specific missions, enhancing its versatility.
In terms of maneuverability, the Mako is designed to execute rapid and precise maneuvers, making it suitable for dynamic combat environments. Its advanced flight control systems ensure stability and responsiveness, even during high-speed operations. Compared to competitors like the MQ-9 Reaper, the Mako offers superior speed and the ability to operate in contested airspace alongside manned aircraft.
The Kratos UTAP-22 Mako is a tactical UCAV designed for modern warfare. Combining speed, modularity, and advanced avionics, it provides cost-effective solutions for ISR, combat support, and Loyal Wingman missions. Its compact design and high performance make it a valuable asset for contested environments, ensuring adaptability across diverse mission profiles.
Back to the Drones, UAVs, UCAVs page