Lockheed Martin received two contracts totaling $30.6 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center for the Target Sight System (TSS), the fire control system for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.
These contracts will provide spare units and parts as well as program support for the AH-1Z fleet. The Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the initial TSS production contract in March 2008 and follow-on production contracts in June 2010 and September 2011. Lockheed Martin delivered the first TSS in June 2009, and recently began early delivery of follow-on production units. Production is expected to continue through 2018. TSS is produced at facilities in Ocala and Orlando, Fla.
TSS provides imagery through a stabilized sensor suite, specifically tailored to the AH-1Z platform. The suite includes a laser designator, color TV camera and a mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing.
“TSS provides positive combat identification at safe standoff ranges,” said Joseph Butera, senior program manager of airborne systems in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “The system allows AH-1Z aviators to confidently engage the threat and return safely to base.” More