Lockheed wins $111M Apache modernization contract

Lockheed Martin Corp. has won a $111 million Army contract to provide logistics to support the modernization of targeting and night vision capabilities on Apache helicopters.

The contract, known as the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor Performance Based Logistics contract, is a fixed-price, performance-based vehicle.

The contract “delivers a support solution that reduces costs when compared to earlier approaches, while also providing strong levels of performance and value to our customer,” said David Belvin, program director of the Apache fire control programs in Lockheed’s Missiles and Fire Control business.

It has a one-year base and three one-year options, which will bring its value to $375 million and extend work through December 2015, if exercised.It will reduce operations and support costs, while enabling mission readiness and driving reliability and maintainability improvements, Lockheed said. It will upgrade infrared sensors and associated electronics.

“The program has been credited with improving fleet readiness, reducing average flying hour cost and reducing the Army’s long-term inventory investment. This enables us to achieve our ultimate goal – better support to the soldier,” said Kathy Drysdale, chief of the Avionics and Radar division for the Apache Attack Helicopter.