Fri, May 27, 2011
Upgraded Device Provides New Targeting Capabilities
Delivery of Target Sight System (TSS) follow-on production units
for the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter has gotten
underway. The TSS units feature upgraded software to provide
additional targeting capabilities.
TSS is the multi-sensor fire control system for the AH-1Z
developed by Lockheed Martin, integrating state-of-the-art sensors
to provide pilots with enhanced capabilities to acquire, track and
designate targets. The highly stabilized sensor suite includes a
laser designator, color video display and a third-generation,
mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image
processing.
"The TSS team has been working diligently to assure the AH-1Z
Cobra is one of the most effective attack helicopters to counter
today's battlefield threats," said Joseph Butera, TSS senior
program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The
team ensured that the squadron had the hardware they needed when
they needed it, and the sensors performed flawlessly during
testing."
The integration of the TSS with the AH-1Z Cobra fire control
system gives pilots the capability to detect and identify targets
before they fly into the range of the threat, ensuring increased
standoff range and precise target engagements in every climate and
location.
Lockheed Martin delivered the first follow-on production unit
two months ahead of schedule. Early integration of upgraded system
software provides enhancements based on flight test results and
user feedback. Additional targeting capabilities include a new
target sizing function, refined geo-location accuracy and superior
weapon alignment. The Cobra attack helicopter achieved initial
operating capability in February 2011.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the initial TSS
production contract in March 2008 and a follow-on production
contract in June 2010. The system is produced at Lockheed Martin
facilities in Florida. Production is expected to continue through
2018.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]