Lockheed Martin upgrading Apache helicopter targeting sensor

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin is to upgrade a target acquisition and vision sensor aboard U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopters, the company announced.

The upgrade to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor, or M-TADS/PNVS on the AH-64E was commissioned by the Army under a $49 million contract.

"M-DSA gives Apache aircrews the ability to more rapidly identify targets and coordinate with troops on the ground, which improves mission success," said Tom Eldredge, director of M-TADS/PNVS production programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "M-DSA's modular design reduces operation and support costs, and will be supported by our award-winning Performance-Based Logistics sustainment program."

Lockheed Martin said that under the award it will produce an additional 42 Modernized Day Sensor Assembly upgrade kits and spares for the U.S. Army as part of Lot 1 production at two of its facilities in Florida.

The upgrade will allow pilots to identify targets at greater distances and view high-resolution, near-infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays.

The sensor system also features a new laser pointer marker.