Leonardo DRS Awarded Contract to Build Next-Generation 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.

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U.S. Air Force boom operator crew training on the aerial refueling operator station (AROS) of a KC-46A Pegasus. Credit: USAF

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.”

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.

About Leonardo DRS

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

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