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The US Air Force’s 22nd Air Refueling Wing Innovation Lab at McConnell Air Force Base has developed a cutting-edge remote start system for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, significantly improving its operational efficiency. The Auxiliary Power Unit Start System (APRUSS) enables remote activation of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU), reducing the time it takes to prepare the aircraft for flight and ensuring faster mission readiness.
Before the development of APRUSS, the KC-46A had a slower alert time compared to its predecessor, the KC-135 Stratotanker. However, the new remote start system, which functions similarly to a car’s remote start, has proven to drastically cut down this delay. “This has already proven to significantly reduce the alert time for the KC-46 crews during routine training,” said Capt. Timothy Schwanke, Innovation Lab chief.
The APRUSS allows the aircraft’s systems to be activated remotely from anywhere within the United States via cellular signals, which means crews can prepare the aircraft while still en route to the base. Staff Sgt. Hunter Diedrich, who helped design the system, explained that the device can be triggered with just a few seconds of delay, even from remote locations. The first operational test of the APRUSS system was successful, with the remote actuator working as planned to start the APU without any issues.
The project has garnered attention from external partners, including FirePoint Innovation, a technology hub at Wichita State University. With additional funding from the Defense Innovation Unit, the team is now working to refine the technology and make it available for the entire KC-46A fleet.
This innovation will not only enhance efficiency during routine operations but also support the Air Force’s broader goal of modernizing its tanker fleet. The KC-46A, which offers advanced refueling, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities, is an essential asset in the Air Force’s mission to support a wide range of military and partner-nation aircraft. The APRUSS is expected to be an integral part of ensuring the KC-46A’s readiness for real-world missions and training exercises.
