The UK Ministry of Defence is to award AgustaWestland a sole-source contract to replace the targeting systems on the British Army's new fleet of 67 Boeing/Westland Apache AH1 attack helicopters.
The Apache achieved initial operational capability with the UK service last August and is to become fully operational in 2007. The Apache's baseline targeting equipment is to be replaced with the Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilots Night Vision Sensor suite, to be supplied by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control of the USA. The new system will be common with the Arrowhead targeting suite being integrated with the US Army's upgraded AH-64DApache Longbows. UK Apache crews will also receive an improved helmet and display sighting system as part of the upgrade package, a value for which has not been disclosed. Contract signature is expected around March 2005, says AgustaWestland.
Source: Flight International
