Army asks Lockheed Martin to provide electro-optical sensors and assemblies for Apache helicopter targeting
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – U.S. Army aviation experts needed electro-optical assemblies to upgrade the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system, also known as Arrowhead. They found their solution from Lockheed Martin Corp.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., announced a $121.6 million order late last month to the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems segment in Orlando, Fla., for M-TADS/PNVS components and hardware for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
The lower M-TADS turret contains the targeting system, which has day and night electro-optical sensors. The Arrowhead targeting sensor suite has forward looking infrared (FLIR) elements of the TADS and the PNVS to provide modern technological and precision engagement, and ensure the Army’s Apache helicopter remains an effective attack helicopter well into the future.
The system's laser rangefinder designator includes an eye-safe rangefinder and day sensor electronics unit, which replace the laser transceiver unit and related electronics in the Apache’s legacy day sensor assembly.
The new day sensor structure assembly offers fields of view that match the Arrowhead FLIR fields of view to accommodate image blending. The modernized TV sensor incorporates color and low-light sensitivity. A modern inertial measurement unit replaces three spinning-mass gyros, and the new laser spot tracker uses a four-quadrant detector and improved processing. A laser pointer marker helps enhance coordination with ground and air units.
These targeting components enable Apache flight crews to identify targets at long ranges through an additional field-of-view and extended-range picture-in-picture capability, as well as provide the ability to view high-resolution, near-infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays.
The system provides a new laser pointer marker that improves coordination with ground troops, and an updated multimode laser with eye-safe lasing capability that supports flight in urban environments and home-station training.
M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache helicopter pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety during day and night and in adverse weather conditions.
On this order Lockheed Martin will do the work at locations to be determined with each order, and should be finished by March 2022. For more information contact Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems online at www.lockheedmartin.com, or the Army Contracting Command-Redstone at https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-rsa.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
