The Army in December awarded Lockheed Martin [LMT] a $31.8 million sustainment contract for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopters equipped with the advanced electro-optical fire control system known as the modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor (M-TADS/PNVS).
The performance-based logistics contract is aimed at improving the targeting and pilotage system’s mission readiness, increasing reliability and maintainability and reducing operation and support costs.
A total of $31.8 million was obligated to Lockheed Martin through the one-year base contract award with a total value not to exceed $85.5 million. The period of performance is through December 2016, with four additional one-year options that would extend support through December 2020. The total five-year contract value is estimated at $424 million.
“We work hard to ensure that our PBL customers have the highest availability rates possible, and we back that up with a team of field representatives who stay ready around the clock, around the world,” Mike Taylor, director of M-TADS/PNVS international and sustainment programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a prepared statement.
Fielded in 2005, M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for safe flight during day, night and adverse weather missions. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,350 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares to the U.S. Army and international customers. As of August, M-TADS-equipped Apaches had flown a cumulative one million flight hours
The Army also in December awarded Lockheed Martin a $108 million foreign military sale (FMS) contract to install M-TADS/PNVS systems in the Indian Army’s Apaches. The total contract value is not to exceed $215.7 million, with the $108 million obligated at award time. It includes 23 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares for India.