The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, has awarded Lockheed Martin $150 million in follow-on production contracts to provide the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) with the Target Sight System (TSS) for the AH-1Z “Viper” attack helicopter.
TSS is the multi-sensor electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) fire control system (AN/AAQ-30) for the U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.
It is a large-aperture midwave forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, color TV, laser designator/rangefinder (with eyesafe mode), and on-gimbal inertial measurement unit integrated into a highly stabilized turret.
The turret mounts to the nose of the aircraft via the Lockheed Martin-developed aircraft interface structure. TSS provides the capability to identify and laser-designate targets at maximum weapon range, significantly enhancing platform survivability and lethality.
Features
- 8.55-inch aperture, midwave staring FLIR with four fields-of-view for maximum image resolution and long-range performance
- Multi-mode (point and scene), multi-target (3 image, 10 inertial), robust tracker with coast-through-obscuration capability
- Gimbal stabilized to <15 microradians
- On-gimbal inertial measurement unit for reduced image blur due to jitter and precise line pointing, target geo-location, and multi-target tracking
- A multi-mode multi-target tracker
- Advanced image processing for optimum gain and level, sharper imagery, and algorithms for enhanced recognition and identification range performance
- High magnification, continuous zoom, color TV with field-of-view matched to the FLIR
- State-of-the-art 640 x 512 InSb, low-noise-equivalent delta temperature, high-modulation transfer function detector with a high-reliability cooler
- Versatile modular architecture for future growth
Under the contracts, Lockheed Martin will produce TSS Lot 13 and Lot 14. The award also contains options for TSS Lots 15 and 16, which would bring the total in follow-on production contracts to $284.6 million with all options exercised.
Work will be completed in Orlando and Ocala, Florida.
“The advanced capabilities and proven reliability of TSS provide the U.S. Marine Corps with a technological combat edge,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
“Its long-range precision strike capability significantly enhances the helicopter’s lethality and aircrew survivability.”
Since 2008, Lockheed Martin has provided the U.S. Marine Corps with more than 100 TSS units. Production and sustainment efforts for TSS are ongoing through 2026.
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
