Leonardo DRS to Build Next-Gen Aerial Refueling Operator Sta
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

May 8, 2024

Leonardo DRS to Build Next-Gen Aerial Refueling Operator Station for KC-46 Pegasus Tanker Fleet

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it was awarded a contract from Boeing Defense to provide the upgraded Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS 2.0) for new U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker aircraft.

Under the contract, DRS will manufacture the AROS 2.0 units and deliver them to Boeing for installation. The AROS 2.0 system is a replacement to the previous generation of AROS refueling operator stations. DRS was the original provider of the first generation of AROS with more than 85 consoles fielded to date.

“We are very proud to again be the provider of this critical system that ensures aircrew refuelers are given the best available technology to perform this challenging mission. We will continue to provide agile service and quality products to support these critical operators,” said Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Boeing in support of the U.S. Air Force.”

Fuel Cells In Aerospace & Defense Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030

Fuel Cells In Aerospace & Defense Market - Global Forecast 2024-2030

by Product (Alkaline Fuel Cells, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells), Application (Aerospace, Military)

Download free sample pages

AROS was designed for the aircraft to seat two operators at the front of the tanker using displays for each operator. The system allows operators to perform aerial refueling missions while seated near the pilot and other crew members compared to legacy tankers that use a single boom operated seated or prone in the tail looking out a window.

The AROS 2.0 units will be manufactured at the company’s Johnstown, Pennsylvania manufacturing center of excellence.

DRS’s advanced manufacturing process used on AROS is an example of the company’s deep experience as a leader in complex manufacturing and technical design package management. This capability supports a wide range of missions for the U.S. military and allies around the world and extending across all domains to support air and space missions, force protection, computer networking and C5I, as well as naval power and propulsion and electronic systems.



Defence Exports 2024 Conference

Defence Exports 2024 Conference

London, United Kingdom
Sep 24 - 25, 2024

View agenda
DoD Energy & Power Summit

DoD Energy & Power Summit

Washington, DC
Jul 31 - Aug 1, 2024

View agenda