Lockheed Martin To Upgrade Apache Helicopter Display With Color

Lockheed Martin has won $54.3 million US Army contract to upgrade the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) on the AH-64E Apache helicopter, bringing color to the cockpit for the first time.

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will produce 35 Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) kits and spares for the US Army and the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Production will take place at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Orlando and Ocala, Florida, through March 2019, the company announced Thursday.

A total of $54.3 million was obligated to Lockheed Martin through the M-DSA Phase 2 Lot 1 contract award with a total value not to exceed $130.6 million.

With M-DSA Phase 2 upgrades, pilots can identify targets at further distances through an additional field of view and extended range picture-in-picture capability. They also now have the ability to view high-resolution, near infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays. Phase 2 upgrades also include a new laser pointer marker and a multi-mode laser with eye-safe lasing capability.

“These enhancements enable faster situational understanding for aircrews and more accurate coordination with ground troops,” said Matt Hoffman, M-TADS/PNVS director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With the Apache expected to be in service through 2045, we’re continuing to invest in sensor upgrades, such as the M-DSA, to ensure aircrews have the capabilities they need to address emerging threats.”

Lockheed Martin is currently producing 860 Modernized Laser Rangefinder Designator (M-LRFD) kits under an M-DSA Phase 1 Lot 4 contract awarded earlier this year. M-LRFD is the primary targeting aid for the Apache, enabling pilots to designate targets and establish target range for accurate weapon engagement.

M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache helicopter pilots’ long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety during day and night and in adverse weather conditions. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,350 M-TADS/PNVS systems to the U.S. Army and international customers.