Secured by the Defense Innovation Unit for continued R&D and commercialization.
Project 01 — Defense Hardware + Software
A remote start system for the KC-46 Pegasus.
Co-invented at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Innovation Lab, McConnell AFB, Kansas. APRUSS uses cellular signals and a precision actuator to trigger the aircraft's APU start — closing the alert-launch gap that opened when the KC-46 replaced the KC-135 Stratotanker.
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Operational Impact
Built to close an alert-launch gap.
The system joins software, firmware, cellular dispatch, and precision hardware into a flightline-ready concept with live operational test results.
Triggerable from states away over cellular — only seconds of delay end-to-end.
Zero anomalies on initial live test. Anticipated fleet-wide adoption across all KC-46 units.
Case Study
From cockpit switch to remote command.
The problem
The KC-46A Pegasus replaced the long-serving KC-135 Stratotanker in the air-refueling role — but with a measurable cost during alert operations: a significantly slower startup time. In missions where every minute matters, that delta is a tactical disadvantage.
The solution
APRUSS — the Auxiliary Power Unit Remote Start System — is a custom-built device that engages the cockpit APU start switch on remote command. A purpose-built actuator handles the physical action; cellular control means the trigger doesn't require anyone in the cockpit, or even on the flightline.
- Range: activatable from states away with only seconds of delay end-to-end.
- Reliability: first operational test succeeded with zero issues.
- Adoption signal: anticipated fleet-wide demand across all KC-46 units. McConnell is currently the only base working on this concept.
The team
I built the software, firmware, and remote-dispatch logic. SSgt Hunter Diedrich engineered the physical hardware. The work was done at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Innovation Lab at McConnell AFB.
What's next
The Defense Innovation Unit secured $250,000 to continue R&D. Through partnerships with the FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University and PWI, the system is on a path to commercialization and broader fielding.
Press Coverage
How the story has been told.
Reporting on APRUSS from official Air Force news and the broader defense and engineering press.
Next
Want to know more?
For collaboration, briefings, or technical questions on APRUSS — reach out below.