Apache Helos To Get Enhanced Low-Light TV Capability
The U.S. Army awarded a $15 million contract for production of a
low-light-level TV capability, called VNsight, to Lockheed Martin
for the Apache's combat-proven Modernized Target Acquisition
Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also
known as Arrowhead. The new VNsight visible/near infrared sensor is
integrated into the Modernized PNVS, providing the Warfighter with
significant tactical advantages, particularly in low-light-level
conditions.
Apache File Photo
The VNsight Lot 1 production contract for 65 sensors and spares
will equip two Apache battalions. It will also provide an initial
quantity of cameras and spares to outfit a Foreign Military Sales
customer. The M-TADS/PNVS systems will be upgraded as a field
retrofit. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will produce
the VNsight lens and serve as the system integrator, while Lockheed
Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Akron, OH, will provide the
sensor's camera.
"The VNsight completes a commitment to the Warfighter to deliver
a blended image capability in the Apache to support both
situational awareness for the pilot and improved air-to-ground
coordination," said U.S. Army Apache Sensors Product Manager Lt.
Col. John Vannoy announcing the contract Thursday. "After thorough
testing of this system with pilots experienced in both combat
theaters, I'm confident that their appraisal of the system as a
must-have capability will result in the Apache becoming even more
lethal on the battlefield."
"The VNsight camera upgrade represents a mission enhancing
capability improvement for the Lockheed Martin produced Apache
sensor," said Monty Watson, VNsight program manager at Lockheed
Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "VNsight provides an increase in
pilot situational awareness, flight safety and mission
flexibility."
By blending VNsight imagery with the M-PNVS forward looking
infrared (FLIR) imagery, pilots can see cultural and military
lighting (lasers, markers, beacons, tracer rounds, etc.) accurately
registered within the thermal image over the full 30-by-40 degree
field of view of the sensor. This ensures safer flying conditions
and enhanced mission capability by improving situational awareness
in low-light-level conditions and situations where existing light
sources cannot be imaged by the FLIR.
The capability to image light sources in-band with the VNsight
sensor allows aviators to see some laser pointers, improving
coordination with ground units. It also allows the aircrew to see
their own laser spot while designating targets for laser-guided
munitions engagements, providing an extra level of certainty that
the correct target and aim-point are designated. Enhanced
air-to-ground situational awareness reduces the potential for
fratricide.