Revamping Power: Lockheed Martin Enhances Egyptian Air Force’s Apache Helicopters with Cutting-Edge M-TADS/PNVS Technology
Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control, located in Orlando, Florida, has been granted a $102.4 million firm-fixed-price agreement for the manufacture and delivery of hardware elements and spare parts for the Apache Attack Helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation/Pilot Night Vision Sensor System (M-TADS/PNVS, Arrowhead).
According to a Pentagon announcement released last week, this agreement entails the production and delivery of hardware elements and spare parts for the Apache Attack Helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation/Pilot Night Vision Sensor System (M-TADS/PNVS). Although upgrades for Egyptian helicopters were not specified, Lockheed Martin confirmed this in a tweet posted on January 4.
Completion of work is anticipated by July 31, 2024.
In May 2020, the U.S. State Department sanctioned Egypt’s proposal to upgrade 43 AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters to the advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian configuration for $2.3 billion.
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has received 45 AH-64D aircraft starting in 2003 (initially, 35 were received, followed by an additional 10 ordered in 2010). These Apache helicopters are utilized by the EAF’s 550 Attack Helicopter Regiment, with 51 Squadron operating from Wadi al Jandali and 52 Squadron stationed at Az Zaqaziq.
The M-TADS/PNVS is the integrated sensor and targeting system installed on the Boeing Apache helicopter. Both systems function independently yet reside together. It offers a long-range, precision targeting and pilotage capability for operations in daylight, nighttime, and challenging weather conditions. Lockheed Martin’s electro-optical sensor enhances Apache aircrews’ situational awareness, delivering exceptional performance and survivability.
