Boeing Apache. File photo
Lockheed Martin has received orders worth $337 million to modernize Boeing Apaches, Lockheed Martin said. The company is to provide modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night-vision sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) systems and services to the U.S., the U.K. and Saudi Arabia.
The deals are part of an initial task order under a new U.S. Army contract, according to Lockheed Martin. The contract is indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, with the potential for at least $2 billion in orders and a five-year performance period.
For the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin is providing upgrade kits for the M-TADS/PNVS modernized day sensor assembly (M-DSA) and modernized laser range finder designator. For the U.K., the company is delivering the day sensor assembly upgrades kits for M-TADS/PNVS refurbishment as part of the effort to upgrade AH-64Ds to AH-64Es. For Saudi Arabia, the manufacturer is providing M-TADS/PNVS systems for new AH-64Es.
The M-TADS/PNVS systems are, according to Lockheed Martin, known as the “eyes of the Apache.” It gives pilots long-range, precision engagement and pilot capabilities for day and night operations, as well as in adverse weather conditions. This sensor upgrade allows pilots to see high-resolution, high-definition, near-infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays. M-DSA provides a new laser pointer marker and an updated multi-mode laser with eye-safe range designation.