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

Rhea-AI Summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) has been awarded a contract to supply the upgraded Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS 2.0) for the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker fleet by Boeing Defense. The company will manufacture and deliver the AROS 2.0 units to Boeing for installation. DRS's expertise in complex manufacturing and technical design positions it as a leader in providing critical systems for air and space missions.

Positive

• Leonardo DRS, Inc. secures a contract to supply the upgraded Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS 2.0) for the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker fleet, showcasing the company's capabilities in providing critical systems for defense.

• The contract with Boeing Defense underlines DRS's position as a trusted provider of technology solutions for challenging missions, ensuring aircrew refuelers have access to the latest technology to enhance their capabilities.

Negative

• None.

ARLINGTON, V--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240507919660/en/

Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contacts

Steve Vather

Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance

+1 703 409 2906

stephen.vather@drs.com

Leonardo DRS Media Contact

Michael Mount

Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

+1 571 447 4624

mmount@drs.com

Source: Leonardo DRS, Inc.

FAQ

What contract did Leonardo DRS receive related to the KC-46 Pegasus tanker fleet?

Leonardo DRS, Inc. was awarded a contract by Boeing Defense to supply the upgraded Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS 2.0) for the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker fleet.

Where will the AROS 2.0 units be manufactured by DRS?

The AROS 2.0 units will be manufactured at DRS's Johnstown, Pennsylvania manufacturing center of excellence.

What is the AROS 2.0 system designed for?

The AROS 2.0 system is designed for the aircraft to seat two operators at the front of the tanker using displays for each operator, enabling them to perform aerial refueling missions more efficiently.

Who will benefit from the AROS 2.0 units manufactured by DRS?

The U.S. Air Force crew operating the KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker aircraft will benefit from the upgraded AROS 2.0 units manufactured by DRS.