Nov 12 2010
Lockheed Martin, an international security firm, has entered into a $65 million deal with the US Army to carry out advancement of the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system for the Apache helicopter.
The deal comprises the $22 million base value along with other options. The M-TADS/PNVS system also called as Arrowhead has been in use since 2005 and offers enhanced piloting experience and targeting feature to the Apache pilots.
Lockheed Martin will complete the improvement of the Day Sensor Assembly (DSA) and affiliated electronics of the Apache helicopter under the Phase II, fixed-price deal that extends for four years. The modernization will establish M-TADS/PNVS system as the superior electro-optical system with more accuracy for helicopters used in the battlefield.
The advanced DSA has improved visible color sensor, inertial measurement component, laser spot tracker, multi-mode laser designator or rangefinder, an assembled unit of advanced day sensor, and a provision to adapt with a next generation laser pointer device. These improved features allow the DSA to provide maintenance in two levels and improves the mean time of M-TADS/PNVS between breakdown times.
Lt. Col. John Vannoy, the US Army Apache Sensors Product Manager commented that the advanced DSA restores the classic 30-year old systems and would build the Apache a more destructive and survivable attack helicopter. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control’s M-DSA program manager Matt Hoffman stated that the advanced DSA would expand the capability of M-TADS/PNVS to handle the upcoming weapons.
Source: http://www.lockheedmartin.com