US Army demonstrates upgraded sensor capability on AH-64E Apache helicopter

The US Army and Lockheed Martin have conducted test flight of the modernised day sensor assembly aboard the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, US.

During the testing, the M-DSA demonstrated its maturity and enhanced capabilities to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), the precision targeting and pilotage system for the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter.

The testing also involved the US Army Apache Attack Helicopter Project Management Office and the US Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate.

US Army Apache Sensors Product Manager Lieutenant Colonel Steven Van Riper said that the M-TADSsystem is expected to help to further reduce the aircrews’ burden while providing them with performance improvements benefits.

"We are looking forward to the reliability and maintainability improvements that this laser will bring to the M-TADS system," Riper added.

The M-DSA features a new laser pointer marker to enhance coordination with ground troops and an updated multi-mode laser with eye-safe lasing capability to support flight missions in urban environments and critical training exercises.

M-TADS/PNVS director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire ControlMatt Hoffmansaid: "The new capabilities provided by M-DSA, such as color in the cockpit and an enhanced laser pointer marker, will support rapid target identification and coordination, as well as improve safety and system reliability for U.S. Army Apache aircrews."

In addition to increasing M-TADS/PNVS designation and ranging capabilities to fully accommodate current and future weapons, the upgraded sensor allows Apache pilots to see high-resolution near infrared and colour imagery on cockpit displays.

Over the next few months, personnel from Lockheed Martin, the Apache Program Office and the Army Flight Test Directorate will spend demonstrating M-DSA capabilities at Redstone Arsenal and Yuma Proving Grounds.