Author: Kraken News

Pairing Kraken’s existing visionary maritime concept development and advanced vessel engineering team with a truly world-class design and naval architecture expertise is a considerable force multiplier. This will enable Kraken to push further and faster with development of their portfolio of definitive, high-performance, littoral security maritime vessels end-to-end and entirely in-house. 

Key to this is the addition of Alec Lynn-Rodgers who joins the Kraken team to lead and further develop this capability. Alec is a highly innovative chartered naval architect with 9 years leading design teams and contributing to some of the most progressive next-generation naval platforms. His specialisms in building and leading design teams, implementing technological advancements in CAD and VR systems, and interests in the latest rapid prototyping and AI analytical techniques completely align with Kraken’s mission to conceptualise, design and build the best possible game-changing craft for future maritime needs through use of advanced technologies. 

Alec Lynn-Rodgers, comments on his new role: 

“I am delighted to be joining the Kraken team at such an exciting point in their journey. I look forward to leading this in-house capability and to accelerating the development of Kraken’s portfolio of transformational littoral security boat capabilities.” 

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented: 

“Launching this in-house design function and welcoming Alec to the team represents an enormous uplift in Kraken’s in-house capability and compliments the already extraordinary product development talent we have in the business. This enhanced end-to-end control of the product development process will allow us to accelerate our plans and delivery timescales to better fulfil end user need for innovative littoral capabilities more quickly.” 

Kraken continues to grow its team as it expands across the maritime security industry.

Kraken Technology Group has announced a strategic partnership with Cosworth around the development of advanced battery solutions for its littoral defence and security range.

Cosworth, a British high-performance engineering company, is renowned for powertrain development, electronics and alternative propulsion solutions for the automotive, marine and aerospace sectors.

Initial focus is around the Kraken MANTA platform, a range of autonomous uncrewed surface subsurface vessels designed specifically to address a growing range of ISR mission and deployment capability requirements. As acknowledged experts in electric technology, Cosworth will work closely with Kraken on the development of advanced battery systems, capable of powering Kraken maritime platforms in faster, more efficient and disruptive ways.

Kraken’s electric propulsion expertise was pioneered in 2018 when it successfully broke the UIM Outright Maritime Electric Speed World Record delivering an average speed of 88.61mph in a globally publicised event at Coniston. This milestone success provided the foundations for development and adaptation of racing technology for defence and security applications.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“In Cosworth we have identified a similar progressive approach coupled with a disruptive mindset and both are vital to the development of Kraken’s electric powertrain aspirations. Today we again embark on a journey to further challenge the limits of maritime electric propulsion, above and below the surface.”

Simon Dowson, Managing Director, High Performance Battery Systems, added:

“The alternative propulsion arm of Cosworth has been developing high-performance batteries for well over a decade. We believe that partnering with Kraken is a perfect showcase of our capabilities in boundary pushing applications such as the advanced vessels for which Kraken is known. The learnings from this partnership will also prove to be essential for our marine offering moving forward.”

Kraken is leading change by drawing inspiration from other cutting-edge technologies and industries to deliver a pioneering new approach to the advanced maritime sector. The team is focused on development and manufacture of advanced composite materials, prototype vessels, autonomous technologies and advanced powering solutions, delivering real-world advantage to the defence and security industries.

British maritime technology company Kraken Technology Group (KTG) announces the signing of a partnership agreement with Leonardo, a global high-technology company in Aerospace, Defence and Security.

The partnership reflects several areas of collaboration and development starting with the integration of Leonardo’s Black Scorpion mini-torpedo system into the K50 KRAKEN platform to enhance its sub-surface domain capability. The collaboration continues with the opportunity to integrate a broader range of Leonardo systems into future Kraken platforms, including LIONFISH® to provide defence and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) capability.

The K50 KRAKEN is a first-of-its-kind, fully-integrated, maritime precision engagement fast-boat platform, designed to provide effective swarmed-strike response to littoral water threats. The K50 is heavily weaponised, combining the latest defence and maritime technologies to best effect in the protection of sovereign green-water infrastructure and interests. Additional Kraken platforms are under development and will benefit from the forward looking nature of this agreement.

The Black Scorpion is a cost-effective and highly-flexible technology designed to facilitate the engagement of sub-surface threats in challenging operational scenarios, while LIONFISH® is Leonardo’s lightweight and compact new family of small calibre naval turrets, usable in a broad set of applications and available in both 12.7mm and 20mm versions.

 Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“Teaming with Leonardo and integrating their market leading defence systems will unlock yet another dimension in Kraken’s ability to effectively counter multi-domain threats above and below surface.”

Kraken Technology Group has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, publicly confirming its commitment to supporting Armed Forces communities.

Through this commitment, Kraken Technology Group will develop policies to ensure serving personnel, service veterans and their families are at no detriment through their service.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented: “We are delighted to sign such an important covenant which demonstrates our support to service communities who give so much to safeguard our way of life.”

Currently employed by all branches of the U.S. military and in more than 30 countries, Dillon’s M134D Minigun is one of the most reliable weapons in the world given its capacity, simplicity in loading and ease of maintenance. Designed for speed and accuracy, the M134D is a true force multiplier and ideal for the operational requirements of the K50 KRAKEN which includes close proximity maritime engagement.

Dillon’s M134D will combine with systems from recently announced partners Thales and MSI-DS, to ensure all K50 KRAKEN effectors are fully systems-integrated, CMS-led and precisely-aimed for maximum operational efficacy in its maritime precision engagement role.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“The iconic M134D Minigun has been linked to maritime platforms but never a boat like the K50 KRAKEN. Its legendary firepower is a key ingredient in this definitive maritime precision engagement platform, and our technical collaboration with Dillon Aero will be another critical addition to the focussed effectiveness of the KRAKEN gunship.”

Randy Nance, International Business Development Manager at Dillon Aero, added:

“The Dillon Aero team are pleased to be partnering with Kraken, and to be bringing the M134D’s fire power and ability to suppress close range targets to such a game-changing vessel. We’ve not seen anything like the K50 before, and setting new benchmarks in fire-power for ultra-high-performance boats is something we’re excited being a part of.”

ABOUT KRAKEN 

• Kraken Technology Group is a UK company founded in 2021 and structured around decades of cross-sector expertise and pioneering experience in the marine industry. 

• High-performance heritage is embedded in the company DNA and underpins both a disruptive and pioneering approach to maritime design and manufacturing. 

• KTG’s core management team come from a diverse range of marine, automotive and security backgrounds, with several having served operationally in the British and US Special Forces. 

• KTG acquired Vector Racing in 2021 to accelerate its ongoing development programme into high-performance alternative powertrain solutions. 

KRAKEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP PRESS OFFICE
Phone: +44 (0)1252 448 169
Mobile: +44 (0)7739 461 061
Email: kraken@singletonpr.com 

ABOUT DILLON AERO
www.https://dillonaero.com

• Dillon Aero has fielded more than 6,000 weapons systems in more than 30 countries. Since the Dillon M134D and M134D-H became the standard model in US and allied services in 2003, the company has relentlessly strived to improve all aspects of every system and installation. Our engineering staff has successfully integrated the M134D system into 18 different rotory wing platform types totaling some 400 plus airframes, brought the system to ground vehicles and remote weapons stations, and developed the Point Guard Naval Self Protection System for use on both large naval vessels and small boats.

• Since 2000, Dillon’s product line has grown to include high-capacity feed systems for the M134D as well as the M240, M60, PKM, .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun, and MK19 Grenade Launcher; a wide range of helicopter, naval, and vehicle weapon mounts, and a complete line of safety and support equipment for the Minigun.

MSI-DEFENCE SYSTEMS LTD
Phone: +44 (0)1603 484 065
Email: sales@msi-dsl.com

UK based, MSI-DS are a land and naval weapon systems specialist with more than 120 years of experience in the defence industry. Specialising in precision engagement, weapons direction, remote situational awareness and hard kill on a range of host platforms, MSI-DS has developed cross-domain weapons platforms and control systems for naval, land, and littoral environments.

This partnership agreement reflects many areas of collaboration and development between both parties, specifically the integration of MSI-Defence Systems Seahawk Compact Weapon Station (CWS30) and LMM launcher (CWSM) into the K50 KRAKEN maritime precision engagement vessel. This will meet fast interception and interdiction requirements of navies, border forces and law-enforcement agencies.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“We look forward to working with MSI-Defence Systems to equip the KRAKEN with their range of advance weapon systems. MSI-DS is well recognised for developing, delivering and supporting weapons systems with outstanding performance and precision. This partnership will deliver key aspects of the KRAKEN’s specific precision engagement requirements, which features 5 different types of inbuilt weapons systems covering air, surface and sub-surface.”

John Meldrum, Managing Director at MSI Defence Systems Limited, added:

“I believe the MSI-DS and Kraken partnership is a powerful combination, and we are looking forward to collaborating on the game-changing K50 KRAKEN platform. The fully equipped and definitive maritime precision engagement craft, complete with formidable weaponisation, will deliver unparalleled levels of performance, modularity and operational capability for modern green and brown water security operations.”

ABOUT KRAKEN 

• Kraken Technology Group is a UK company founded in 2021 and structured around decades of cross-sector expertise and pioneering experience in the marine industry. 

• High-performance heritage is embedded in the company DNA and underpins both a disruptive and pioneering approach to maritime design and manufacturing. 

• KTG’s core management team come from a diverse range of marine, automotive and security backgrounds, with several having served operationally in the British and US Special Forces. 

• KTG acquired Vector Racing in 2021 to accelerate its ongoing development programme into high-performance alternative powertrain solutions. 

KRAKEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP PRESS OFFICE
Phone: +44 (0)1252 448 169
Mobile: +44 (0)7739 461 061
Email: kraken@singletonpr.com

ABOUT MSI-DEFENCE SYSTEMS
www.msi-dsl.com 

• MSI Defence Systems Ltd is a world leader in weapon systems and gunfire technology, with a rich heritage stretching back over a century, and trusted by over 40 armed forces globally.

• MSI-DS specialise in remote situational awareness and hard kill on a range of host platforms; integrating an all-weather day and night EOS suite with effectors and Fire Control Systems for full target tracking, ballistic compensation, and options for increased target recognition intelligence.

• From naval roots, MSI-DS now operate across marine and land domains – delivering small/medium calibre gun systems, gunfire control technology, and remote weapon station. These platforms fulfil multi-role requirements for all classes of naval vessels and land-based platforms.

MSI-DEFENCE SYSTEMS LTD
Phone: +44 (0)1603 484 065
Email: sales@msi-dsl.com

Further areas of collaboration and development will include the development of advanced composite high-performance craft, in addition to bespoke electric and advanced hybrid powertrain solutions, all of which will be built at a new advanced engineering and technology centre.

Thales will provide the ability to integrate a range of sensor and weapons equipment with scalable command and control, communication and networking systems. Thales has also identified the world-leading Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM) as a candidate for integration onto Kraken. LMM, also known as ‘Martlet’, has demonstrable capability in air defence and surface attack, able to defeat a range of threats including Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC), UAVs and fast jets, aligning it perfectly with Kraken’s key principles of high performance, multi-role use and adaptability. This integration is in conjunction with Thales’ other partners MSI-DSL, who are developing a new lightweight launcher matched to LMM.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“We are exceptionally pleased to be teaming with one of the most well-respected names in the Defence and Security industry, and looking forward to working together to address the growing requirement for advanced powertrain and modular composite structure solutions for the precision engagement sector.”

Ivor Humphrey, Business Development Executive at Thales, added:

“This arrangement exemplifies Thales’ approach to partnerships and building relationships, working with unique platform capabilities to enhance the offering and choices for the end user. Additionally, building with KTG to develop a UK enterprise which can add to the prosperity of the UK, whilst also understanding how we might collaborate with our worldwide network of customers to evolve local opportunities.” 

ABOUT KRAKEN 

• Kraken Technology Group is a UK company founded in 2021 and structured around decades of cross-sector expertise and pioneering experience in the marine industry. 

• High-performance heritage is embedded in the company DNA and underpins both a disruptive and pioneering approach to maritime design and manufacturing. 

• KTG’s core management team come from a diverse range of marine, automotive and security backgrounds, with several having served operationally in the British and US Special Forces. 

• KTG acquired Vector Racing in 2021 to accelerate its ongoing development programme into high-performance alternative powertrain solutions. 

KRAKEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP PRESS OFFICE
Phone: +44 (0)1252 448 169
Mobile: +44 (0)7739 461 061
Email: kraken@singletonpr.com 

ABOUT THALES 
www.thalesgroup.com 

• Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations, connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. 

• The Group provides its customers, businesses, organisations and governments in the defence, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions. 

• Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2021, the Group generated sales of €16.2 billion. 

THALES MEDIA CONTACT
Adrian Rondel, Head of Media, Thales UK
adrian.rondel@uk.thalesgroup.com
Mobile: +44 (0)7971 414052

The Kraken K50 is designed specifically to meet the growing global requirement for fast-response precision engagement, coastal interdiction and the protection of critical offshore infrastructure. The K50 will push the boundaries of technical and operational performance with response speeds in excess of 65 knots and optional use of advanced electric powertrain technology to extend key range and performance parameters, all housed within a unique composite design and structure.

The K50 has also been developed to directly address the growing challenges presented by swarming activities through a range of integrated modular systems and sensors which deliver uniquely semi-autonomous operational and offensive capabilities.

Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:

“The Kraken K50 will demonstrate unparalleled levels of performance, integration, modularity and operational capability which addresses both expeditionary and green-water requirements. This investment will also allow us to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility in the UK which will revolutionise the maritime composite design and integration process, specifically to meet increasingly localised manufacturing and assembly requirements”.

Editor’s notes
ABOUT KRAKEN

krakentechnology.com

• Kraken Technology Group is a UK company founded in 2021 and structured around decades of cross-sector expertise and pioneering experience in the marine industry.
• Precision motorsport and a high-performance heritage is embedded in the company DNA and underpins both a disruptive and pioneering approach to maritime design and manufacturing.
• Kraken’s core management team were all participants in the highly acclaimed and multiple World Record-breaking Vector Racing Team which previously developed advanced platforms for both the retail and security industries.
• KTG acquired Vector Racing in 2021 as part of its ongoing development programme into high-performance electric and hydrogen supported powertrain solutions. 

KRAKEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP PRESS OFFICE
Phone:  +44 (0)1252 448 169
Mobile: +44 (0) 7739 461 061
Email: kraken@singletonpr.com