Boeing Receives First Mission Management System for KC-767 Tanker

Published: Wed Aug 23rd, 2006
Source: www.boeing.com

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 23, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently received its first production Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO) II station for the KC-767 Tanker from DRS Laurel Technologies of Johnstown, Pa., a unit of DRS Technologies, Inc. [NYSE: DRS].

RARO II is a mission management and planning console positioned behind the KC-767 cockpit, where aircrews can control boom and drogue aerial-refueling operations through a remote-vision system. Using a series of cameras flush-mounted on the aircraft's fuselage, the boom operator will have controls and displays for the operation of the boom, wing pods, hose drum unit and exterior aerial refueling lighting.

"The RARO II remote-vision system will increase tanker aircrew mission capability and safety," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "RARO II also improves communication between the aircrew and uses advanced video digital processing to provide superior definition during night and adverse weather conditions."

Boeing will receive additional RARO II systems from DRS Laurel Technologies for the advanced KC-767 tankers being built and flight tested today for Italy and Japan. The delivery ceremony for Japan's first KC-767 is scheduled for February 2007. The first Italian KC-767 is scheduled for delivery in mid-2007.

Boeing developed and installed its first remote aerial refueling operator station (RARO I) on two Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 tankers, which have been operational since 1996. The third generation remote-vision system (RARO III), which will incorporate the key technologies of previous stations, is being developed to meet unique U.S. Air Force requirements.
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Boeing Receives First Mission Management System for KC-767 Tanker

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