Lockheed Martin [LMT] Aug. 12 said it received a $223.3 million Foreign Military Sales contract to provide South Korea with Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) systems for the nation’s AH-64E Apache helicopter.
South Korea is the 12th international customer to purchase the M-TADS/PNVS-equipped Apache.
The firm-fixed-price contract includes 36 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares, with production through 2018. Electronics assembly of M-TADS/PNVS is performed at Lockheed Martin’s Ocala, Fla., facility. The final assembly is performed at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Orlando, Fla.
“We are very proud and happy to further our relationship with the Republic of Korea by adding them to our growing list of U.S. allies flying and operating this exceptionally capable aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Shawn Powell, Army Product Manager for the Apache International Sales Program, Apache Attack Helicopters Project Office. “Multiple systems come together on this platform to make the AH-64E Apache the most advanced and powerful attack helicopter in the world. They made a great choice.”
Mike Taylor, director of Apache international and support programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: “M-TADS/PNVS will provide the Republic of Korea Army with unmatched capabilities and performance. Lockheed Martin looks forward to this partnership with the Republic of Korea Army to produce and field our modernized targeting and pilotage system for South Korea’s formidable new AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet.”
The Army and Lockheed Martin Aug. 9 celebrated one million flight hours for the M-TADS/PVNS system that was first fielded in 2005 (Defense Daily, Aug. 9). The system, known as the eyes of the Apache, provides pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety in day, night and adverse weather missions. Forward-looking infrared sensors provide enhanced image resolution that enables Apache aircrews to prosecute targets and provide situational awareness in support of ground troops outside detection ranges.