Apache aircrews could soon to be provided with the new Arrowhead night vision system to improve performance and flight safety during low level missions. Team Apache Systems, a partnership of Lockheed Martin Millimetre Technologies and Boeing's McDonnell Douglas Helicopters Systems, is offering its targeting and navigation system to the US Army in competition against Raytheon's solution. Team Apache Systems has added the forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) from the Comanche helicopter to provide a claimed "130% improvement in reliability and 40% increase in performance".
The upgrade to a key part of the Boeing's AH-64A/D Apache weapon system is designed to rectify shortcomings in the Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) old night vision system currently fitted to A-model Apaches.
Improvement
The most significant improvement of the Arrowhead design ¡ the second-generation FLIR pilotage systems ¡ also provides the pilots the option of image intensification TV for better situational awareness, says a spokesman. ³It has provision for image fusion and can be integrated with large panel helmet-mounted displays expected in the future.
"The new design allows Apache pilots to fly and fight in day, night and adverse weather with greater safety and improved reliability."
Source: Flight Daily News
