The US Army is proposing to reshape its acquisition strategy for a next-generation forward-looking infrared navigation and targeting upgrade for the Boeing AH-64A/D Apache attack helicopter fleet. It would convert a four-year series of annual purchases into a lump-sum contract.
The proposed multi-year procurement of the Lockheed Martin Arrowhead Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS) would run from fiscal year 2006 to 2009 and complete the army's planned purchase of 704 systems. The scope of the deal would also include orders for international customers.
The Arrowhead has so far been ordered by four undisclosed export operators of the Apache for a total of 36 MTADS/PNVS systems, with deliveries offered concurrently with the US Army's initial orders.
If approved, the army's multi-year acquisition will combine orders for 211 systems in FY06, 182 in FY07, 91 in FY08 and 128 in FY09.
The army last month placed a $247 million contract to acquire 97 systems in FY05. Lockheed says it is on track to deliver its first 19 Arrowhead systems to the US Army before June under a 2004 order, meeting the service's first unit equipped deadline.
The army plans to install the Arrowhead sensor suite on all its Block I and Block II AH-64A/Ds by FY09. A further fused sensor package has been proposed for Block III AH-64Ds to be delivered after FY10.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
