Apache helicopter target acquisition and piloting system get upgrade from Lockheed Martin
NewsAugust 12, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. Engineers at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control are continuing their ongoing modernization of the U.S. Army's AH-64E Apache attack helicopter with the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA). The assembly is an upgrade to the Apache’s targeting and Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS).
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin engineers will produce and deliver 786 Modernized Laser Rangefinder Designator (M-LRFD) kits and a targeting aid for the Apache helicopter that enables pilots to designate targets and then establish target range for accurate weapon engagement.
Phase one of the M-DSA upgrades will modernize the Apache Day Sensor Assembly that includes producing the M-LRFD kits. After that Lockheed Martin will transition into production M-DSA phase two upgrades. According to company officials, phase two upgrades enable pilots to have high-resolution on cockpit displays, which enable better coordination with ground troops.
“We are currently fielding laser kits as part of the M-DSA Phase 1 upgrade and are on track to equip approximately seven Apache battalions a year,” says Matt Hoffman, M-TADS/PNVS director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando.
The work is part of a Lot 4 follow-on contract that starts at $21.7 million and is not to exceed $50.9 million .
