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
Improvements Stack as Brand Readies for Mass Production Samson Sky updated followers on its flying car progress, describing some of the travails of the wind tunnel as they get clos>[...]
LAHSO An acronym for “Land and Hold Short Operation.” These operations include landing and holding short of an intersecting runway, a taxiway, a predetermined point, or>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
Aero Linx: Space Medicine Association (SMA) The Space Medicine Branch was founded in 1951 as the first constituent organization of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA). In 2006>[...]
Back-Taxi A term used by air traffic controllers to taxi an aircraft on the runway opposite to the traffic flow. The aircraft may be instructed to back-taxi to the beginning of the>[...]