Driving Innovation: Direct Imaging vs. Conventional Exposure
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Believe in Better'
Lockheed Martin Secures Contract to Upgrade Apache Helicopter Targeting and Pilotage System
August 14, 2015 | Lockheed MartinEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $21.7 million Lot 4 follow-on contract to continue production of the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter.
This first phase of upgrades to modernize the Apache’s Day Sensor Assembly includes producing Modernized Laser Rangefinder Designator (M-LRFD) kits. M-LRFD is the principal targeting aid for the Apache, enabling pilots to designate targets and establish target range for accurate weapon engagement. M-DSA is an upgrade to the Apache’s targeting and pilotage system, or Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS).
A total of $21.7 million was obligated to Lockheed Martin through this Lot 4 contract award; the total value is not-to-exceed $50.9 million. Lockheed Martin is on contract to produce and deliver 786 M-LRFD kits for the U.S. Army and international customers. More than 200 kits have been delivered to the U.S. Army to date.
“We are currently fielding laser kits as part of the M-DSA Phase 1 upgrade and are on track to equip approximately seven Apache battalions a year,” said Matt Hoffman, M-TADS/PNVS director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
In addition, Lockheed Martin has already qualified M-DSA Phase 2 upgrades and is ready to transition into production. Phase 2 M-DSA upgrades allow Apache pilots to see 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 improvements allow for better coordination with ground troops and safe flight in urban environments and during training exercises.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
Share on:
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
06/25/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileTin whiskers are slender, hair-like metallic growths that can develop on the surface of tin-plated electronic components. Typically measuring a few micrometers in diameter and growing several millimeters in length, they form through an electrochemical process influenced by environmental factors such as temperature variations, mechanical or compressive stress, and the aging of solder alloys.
RTX, the Singapore Economic Development Board Sign MOU Outlining 10-year Growth Roadmap
06/20/2025 | RTXRTX and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which outlines a 10-year roadmap to further long-term strategic collaboration in Singapore.
Indra Signs Agreement with AXISCADES to Boost Production of Cutting-Edge Systems in India
06/18/2025 | PRNewswireParis Air Show -- Indra and the Indian technology company AXISCADES have signed an agreement to collaborate on the production of solutions for the aerospace and defense markets.
GKN Aerospace Delivers First High Voltage EWIS System for Clean Aviation’s SWITCH Project
06/16/2025 | GKN AerospaceGKN Aerospace has completed and delivered the first high voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project.