WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Target sight systems for integration into AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters are being ordered from Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Navy.
The U.S. Department of Defense, in announcing the contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, said 18 AN/AAQ-30 systems were being ordered from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division from Lockheed's Missiles and Fire Control division in Orlando, Fla.
Their integration into the Cobras is part of the U.S. Marines' MC H-1 upgrade program to remanufacture legacy aircraft with state-of-the-art designs incorporated into the existing fleet of AH-1W's, converting them to AH-1Z.
The TSS provides target identification and tracking, passive targeting for integrated weapons -- including Hellfire missiles -- and a laser designation capability supporting friendly laser-guided weapons.
Work on the order will be performed in Orlando and Ocala, Fla., and is expected to be completed by August 2014. The DOD said the contract was not competitively procured. Lockheed Martin is the only vendor that can provide AN/AAQ-30 TSS in time to meet the government required schedule, it said.
