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Lockheed Martin has been awarded the contract to upgrade the sensors onboard 25 of the country’s AH-64D Apache systems, bringing the aircraft from a D to an E-model.
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Lockheed Martin confirmed this week that it had been selected by the Egyptian Air Force to upgrade the sensors on board the country's Apache fleet under a multi year program.
It is expected that the modernisation project between the Egyptian Air Force and Lockheed Martin would include the integration of the company’s Gen III Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (Gen III TADS/PNVS) as well as the Gen III Day Sensor Assembly (Gen III DSA). Currently, the order sees the company provide upgraded sensor kits for the Apache, which upgrade Egypt's D-model Apaches to E-models.
The agreement forms part of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract with the US Army, which serves as the contract to provide the DSA and TADS/PNVS equipment and services.
"Lockheed Martin is committed to a strong and sustained partnership with our customers in the United States and around the world," Tom Eldredge, director of Lockheed Martin's missiles and fire control rotary wing sensors program, said.
"This contract enables us to respond rapidly to Egypt’s emerging defence needs, including requirements for new sensor systems and upgrades."
According to a release from the company, the Gen III TADS/PNVS (dubbed "eyes of the Apache") enables pilots to undertake long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities across different weather scenarios and daylight hours. Meanwhile, the Gen III DSA increased the TADS/PNVS capabilities, enabling the model to fully accommodate weapons released into the future.
To achieve this, the pilot is presented with high-resolution, high-definition, near-infrared and colour imagery on the Apache’s cockpit.
“Gen III DSA also provides a new laser pointer marker that improves coordination with ground troops, and an updated multi-mode laser with eye-safe range designation that supports flight in urban environments and critical training exercises,” the company confirmed.
The work is scheduled to take place until July 2024 at the Boeing Apache Helicopter Plant in Mesa, Arizona.
