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Apaches need arrowheads
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As an all-weather, day/night attack helicopter, the AH-64 Apache depends on its integrated targeting optronics for both safe flying and maximum battlefield effectiveness. The TADS/PVNS chin turret was fielded in 1983, however, and was lagging behind state of the art. Enter the new Arrowhead system, first delivered to the US Army in 2005. It’s an advanced electro-optical & fire control system that pilots use for safe flight around trees, power lines, et. al. in day, night, or bad weather missions as well as combat targeting of their Hellfire missiles and other weapons. A number of past Arrowhead contracts have been covered here; the Arrowhead is also being fielded with the British Apache fleet.

Lockheed Martin recently announced a Lot 4 follow-on production contract for 158 Arrowhead® systems, as well as wartime replacement Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) systems for new aircraft and spares for both systems. It is valued at $311 million, and the contract was signed on February 28th during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Huntsville, AL. Lockheed Martin will produce Lot 4 in Orlando and Ocala, FL, with final deliveries for Lot 4 production in December 2009. Lockheed Martin release.