Article Posted on : - Aug 02, 2011

The Arrowhead advanced targeting and pilotage sensors fielded on the Apache helicopter. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): The US Army recently awarded Lockheed Martin a $60 million follow-on production contract for the combat-proven Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead, for the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.

"These Arrowhead systems will provide AH-64D aviators with a combat-proven sensor capability required to support our soldiers and international allies around the world," Lt. Col. Steve Van Riper, U.S. Army Apache Sensors product manager, was quoted as saying in the Lockheed Martin news release.

The $60 million Lot 8 base contract includes 23 Arrowhead kits for the National Guard, plus US Government and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) spares and support.

The contract also includes options for up to 46 systems and spares for delivery to the US Army and an undisclosed FMS customer.

Total contract value including the base and all options, if awarded, could reach approximately $290 million.

The Lot 8 contract extends production through August 2013 for the base requirements, and January 2015 if all options are awarded, the release added.

Arrowhead is the advanced electro-optical fire control system that Apache helicopter pilots use for safe flight in day, night, or bad weather missions.

It modernises the US Army’s TADS/PNVS, known as the “eyes of the Apache,” by upgrading the infrared sensors and associated electronics.