DRS Technologies Wins $390 Million Tunner Aircraft Loader/Transporter Overhaul Contract

DRS Technologies announced on March 27 that it will continue to provide payload logistics support to US Air Force heavy-lift cargo aircraft all over the world.   

The Air Force awarded DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. a ten-year contract valued at more than $390 million for depot-level overhaul, program engineering support and parts management in support of the DRS Technologies 60K Tunner Aircraft Cargo Loader. 

"The success of the Tunner program is a direct result of our great working relationship with the Air Force customer," saidJoseph Matteoni, vice president and general manager of DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. "For well over 20 years, from initial system design and production to system overhaul and field support, DRS has kept the needs of the airmen in the field at the forefront. We look forward to continuing our world-class support throughout the life of the Tunner program," Matteoni said.

The Tunner loader/transporter is a versatile, heavy cargo handler with the ability to work with military and commercial cargo aircraft platforms.  Tunner has a payload capacity of 60,000 pounds of palletized or rolling-stock cargo and can be easily reconfigured be airlifted by C-17 or C-5 aircraft.  The systems can also be surface-shipped by rail or flatbed truck for deployment to other locations.  DRS Technologies delivered the first of 318 Tunners to the U.S. military in 1997.