By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
Kratos, the manufacturer of the stealthy XQ-58 Valkyrie drone, has recently announced a significant advancement in the operational capabilities of its flagship unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The introduction of a new launch trolley system allows the XQ-58 to take off from traditional runways, expanding its operational flexibility, according to a report by the War Zone News. This development, known as the Kratos Trolley Launch System (KTLS), promises enhanced payload capacity and fuel efficiency while preserving the drone’s unique ability to operate independently of conventional runways.
This system autonomously assists the aircraft, accelerating it down the runway until it reaches lift-off speed, at which point the drone separates from the trolley and proceeds on its mission. The trolley then safely decelerates and stops using drogue chutes and brakes. This innovative approach allows the XQ-58 to carry more fuel and larger payloads, increasing its operational range and mission effectiveness.
The successful demonstration of the KTLS took place at the Grand Sky drone-focused aviation business park, adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Although the specific date of the test was not disclosed, the demonstration underscored the system’s potential to revolutionize the deployment of the XQ-58. By enabling takeoffs from runways, the KTLS augments the drone’s versatility, making it suitable for operations from straight roads or other suitable surfaces.
Since its inaugural flight in 2019, the XQ-58 has primarily relied on a static ground-based launcher with expendable rocket boosters for takeoff. This method, while effective, limited the drone’s payload capacity and required specific launch infrastructure. The introduction of the KTLS mitigates these constraints, allowing for a higher gross weight at takeoff. Kratos estimates that this advancement could result in a 10% increase in both fuel and payload capacity, significantly enhancing the drone’s operational capabilities.
The XQ-58 Valkyrie, with a maximum launch weight of 6,000 pounds, is designed to operate at altitudes up to 45,000 feet and has a range of 3,000 miles. It can carry various payloads, including weapons and sensors, in its internal centerline bay and on wing hardpoints. The modular design of the Valkyrie facilitates easy reconfiguration for diverse missions such as electronic warfare and communications relay.
The use of trolley launch systems is not unprecedented. Historical examples include Nazi Germany’s Me-163 interceptor and the Arado Ar 234 bomber, both of which utilized similar systems to forego traditional landing gear. However, the KTLS’s integration with the XQ-58 represents a modern evolution of this concept, tailored to the needs of contemporary aerial warfare and unmanned systems.
In an operational context, the ability to launch the Valkyrie from traditional runways without compromising its runway-independent capabilities is invaluable. This flexibility allows for dispersed operations, a critical advantage in high-end conflicts where established air bases are likely targets. The U.S. Marine Corps, for instance, is particularly interested in the XQ-58 for its distributed and expeditionary operational concepts, especially in the Pacific theater. The Marine Corps’ experimentation with the Valkyrie as an electronic warfare platform underscores the drone’s potential for diverse applications.
Kratos is actively working on expanding the performance envelope of the XQ-58 family, which includes at least five distinct variants. The Block 2 version, for example, is heavier than the baseline model and could benefit significantly from the KTLS. Additionally, Kratos is developing a third launch option for the XQ-58, though details remain undisclosed. Speculation suggests possibilities such as air launch or carrier catapult launch systems, which would further enhance the drone’s operational flexibility.
