DRS delivers initial Boeing console order
DRS Technologies Inc. said Wednesday that it delivered its first production Remote Aerial Refueling Operators Station (RARO) II console to Boeing Co. to support new military airlift and refueling aircraft requirements.
Boeing will use the console on its KC-767 Global Tanker aircraft. Work was performed by the company’s DRS Laurel Technologies unit in Johnstown, Pa., for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Additional systems are expected to be delivered later this year and in 2007.
The Boeing KC-767 Tanker is designed for both refueling and freight and passenger transport. The RARO console, positioned behind the aircraft’s cockpit, allows the refueling operator to position the boom for fuel transfer operations by a remote-vision system and to maintain continual visual contact with all aircraft in the area under any weather conditions.
Chicago-based Boeing Co.’s (NYSE: BA) Integrated Defense Systems unit, its largest subsidiary, is based in St. Louis and is the area’s second-largest employer.
DRS Laurel Technologies is an electronics maker that provides contract manufacturing and engineering services to U.S. Department of Defense prime contractors.
Engineered Support Systems Inc. became the Sustainment Systems & Services Group of Parsippany, N.J.-based DRS Technologies (NYSE: DRS) when DRS bought ESSI in a deal that closed in January. The St. Louis-based group engineers and manufactures military electronics and support equipment.