US Army <a href=Apache Helicopter” height=”199″ src=”https://www.army-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/static-progressive/MFC_Arrowhead.jpg” style=”padding: 10px” width=”300″ />

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Modernised Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) Laser Rangefinder Designators (LRFDs) as part of upgrades for the US Army’s Apache helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The delivery of the five system design and development (SDD) M-DSA LRFD units follows the $17m contract received by the company in 2008 to modernise the Apache’s legacy Day Sensor Assembly (DSA) and associated electronics.

The LRFDs help to improve targeting by providing pilots with accurate range data for aiming and also designate an aim point by means of a laser for the Hellfire II missiles.

US Army Apache Sensors deputy product manager Wayne Hudry said: "The LRFD provides an improved tactical laser that supports future weapons, as well as an eye-safe laser that provides soldiers the capability to train like they fight."

The first phase of the contract is aimed at resolving obsolescence issues and increasing the M-TADS/PNVS ability to fully accommodate weapons that are currently under production.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The second phase includes upgrades to the multi-mode laser rangefinder or designator, visible colour sensor, laser spot tracker, inertial measurement unit, and modernised day sensor structure assembly with a potential for future laser pointer marker compatibility.

Lockheed Martin M-TADS/PNVS programme director Matt Hoffman said: "The fully modernised M-TADS/PNVS will significantly enhance situational awareness for the Apache crews, and be a decisive factor in the successful execution of their missions."

The M-TADS/PNVS, also called Arrowhead, is the advanced electro-optical fire control system operational with the army since 2005 and provides Apache pilots with advanced targeting capability for conducting day, night and adverse-weather missions.

The Arrowhead modules replace the army’s legacy TADS/PNVS hardware using a field retrofit kit that can be installed at the flightline.

The advanced electro-optics replace the TADS/PNVS direct-view optics with a new TADS electronic display and control (TEDAC) unit that improves target resolution, situational awareness and enables image fusion.

Image Caption: The Arrowhead significantly enhances situational awareness for Apache crews. Image Courtesy: Lockheed Martin Photo