Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has received a $49.5 million contract to provide sustainment and support services for the targeting systems installed on the British Army's Westland/Boeing Apache AH1 attack helicopters.
Covering the modernised target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) and the earlier TADS system, the deal comes as a subcontract from AgustaWestland, which manages the Apache integrated operational support service for the army's 67-aircraft fleet.
"The contract provides complete post-production services, including spare parts, in-country repair and technical services, as well as integrated logistics, engineering and depot repair support," says Lockheed. Work will be performed in the UK and in Orlando, Florida, it adds.
 |
|---|
© AgustaWestland |
UK Apaches are being equipped with the improved M-TADS/PNVS targeting system |
The new contract is to cover activities to be performed until March 2014, by which time all Apache AH1s should have been upgraded to carry M-TADS-standard equipment. The army received its first two upgraded aircraft last November under a modification programme worth £194 million.
Meanwhile, Lockheed/Northrop Grumman joint venture Longbow LLC has also received an $86 million contract to support the Apache AH1’s Longbow fire control radars, also until March 2014.
British Apaches have been deployed in support of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan since April 2006.
Source: Flight International
