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April 27 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has received a contract to upgrade the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor, or M-TADS, for Japan's fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters. The contract includes performance based logistics support, with the plan to deliver 14 of the systems to the Japanese Self Defense Forces through 2020.
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The improved system is expected to improve accuracy and targeting ranges. Support for the system will fall under a separate contract over a three-year period.
"Lockheed Martin's M-DSA laser designator significantly enhances the capabilities of Japan's Apache fleet," Paul Lemmo, vice president at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a press release. "Modernizing the M-TADS system delivers improved weapon effectiveness to JGSDF aircrews and streamlined sustainment support to maintainers."
The M-TADS is the main targeting system for the AH-64 Apache. It also includes the night vision system for the pilot of the attack helicopter. More than 1250 of the systems have been delivered to the US Army.
The AH-64 Apache is the primary attack helicopter for the U.S. Army. It has a 30mm cannon on a rotating turret, which the pilot can direct by merely rotating his helmet using the M-TADS system. It can also carry everything from Hellfire missiles and unguided rockets to Stinger air-to-air missiles and has been widely exported to allied countries across the world.
