Article Posted on : - Dec 06, 2011

The AH-1Z Cobra helicopter.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): Lockheed Martin received two contracts totaling $30.6 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center for the Target Sight System (TSS), the fire control system for the US Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.

These contracts will provide spare units and parts as well as programme support for the AH-1Z fleet. The Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the initial TSS production contract in March 2008 and follow-on production contracts in June 2010 and September 2011.

"TSS provides positive combat identification at safe standoff ranges. The system allows AH-1Z aviators to confidently engage the threat and return safely to base," Joseph Butera, senior program manager of airborne systems in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business said in a company statement.

The company delivered the first TSS in June 2009, and recently began early delivery of follow-on production units. Production is expected to continue through 2018. TSS is produced at facilities in Ocala and Orlando, Florida.