The Army awarded Lockheed Martin [LMT] a $142 million follow-on production contract for the Apache Arrowheadr system, the combat-proven, Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) for the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.
The Lot 6 contract includes 55 Arrowhead kits for Army Apache helicopters and kits for several international customers. More than 850 systems will have been delivered with the completion of the Lot 6 contract, which extends production through December 2011.
“The Arrowhead equipped Longbow Apache is an attack, security, and reconnaissance asset every ground commander wants overhead. This demand for the best sight sensor and attack helicopter combination has been consistent throughout the past eight years of military operations,” Apache Sensors Product Manager Lt. Col. John Vannoy said in a statement. “Lot 6 will provide the kits required to complete the outfitting of our active component force.”
The Arrowhead kit modernizes the Army’s Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS)–known as the “eyes of the Apache”–by upgrading the infrared sensors and associated electronics. The Arrowhead system provides Apache pilots the most advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities, ensuring safe flight during day, night, and adverse-weather missions.
“Arrowhead enhances system reliability and maintainability, which is extremely important to the Warfighter when the system must operate in severe environments at increased operational tempos,” Lockheed Martin Apache Fire Control Vice President Bob Gunning said. “Arrowhead’s improved capabilities allow the Apache to serve in multiple roles in contingency operations.”
In May 2005, Lockheed Martin rolled out the first Army Arrowhead system, and completed integration on the first Apache helicopters in June 2005. The 2008 Lot 5 contract award marked the 25th anniversary of the product line’s continuous service to the Army.