Lockheed Martin gets contract to upgrade Apache helicopter sensors

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $49.3 million contract from the U.S. Army to upgrade the AH-64E Apache helicopter’s Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS).
Lockheed Martin will provide the Army with 42 Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) upgrade kits and spares, which it will produce in its Orlando and Ocala, Florida, facilities.
"M-DSA gives Apache aircrews the ability to more rapidly identify targets and coordinate with troops on the ground, which improves mission success," Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control M-TADS/PNVS Production Programs Director Tom Eldredge said. "M-DSA's modular design reduces operation and support costs, and will be supported by our award-winning Performance-Based Logistics sustainment program."
M-TADS/PNVS allows Apache helicopter pilots to increase their range and engage with more precision, as well as providing them with more capabilities and increasing their flight safety.
The sensor upgrades will give pilots an even greater range from which to identify targets, providing them with an increased field of view and extended picture-in-picture capability. The upgrades will also provide high-resolution, near-infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays and a laser pointer marker to better facilitate cooperation between pilots and ground troops. The multi-mode laser features eye-safe lasing capability for use in urban environments and training.