DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers AH-1Z Cobra Targeting Systems To The U.S. Marine Corps Ahead Of Schedule

DTN News - LOCKHEED MARTIN DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers AH-1Z Cobra Targeting Systems To The U.S. Marine Corps Ahead Of Schedule

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / ORLANDO, Fl,- May 26, 2011: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently began early delivery of Target Sight System (TSS) follow-on production units for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter. The TSS units feature upgraded software to provide additional targeting capabilities.

TSS is the multi-sensor fire control system for the AH-1Z, integrating state-of-the-art sensors to provide pilots with enhanced capabilities to acquire, track and designate targets. The highly stabilized sensor suite includes a laser designator, color video display and a third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing.

“The TSS team has been working diligently to assure the AH-1Z Cobra is one of the most effective attack helicopters to counter today’s battlefield threats,” said Joseph Butera, TSS senior program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The team ensured that the squadron had the hardware they needed when they needed it, and the sensors performed flawlessly during testing.”

The integration of the TSS with the AH-1Z Cobra fire control system gives pilots the capability to detect and identify targets before they fly into the range of the threat, ensuring increased standoff range and precise target engagements in every climate and location.

Lockheed Martin delivered the first follow-on production unit two months ahead of schedule. Early integration of upgraded system software provides enhancements based on flight test results and user feedback. Additional targeting capabilities include a new target sizing function, refined geo-location accuracy and superior weapon alignment. The Cobra attack helicopter achieved initial operating capability in February 2011.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the initial TSS production contract in March 2008 and a follow-on production contract in June 2010. The system is produced at Lockheed Martin facilities in Florida. Production is expected to continue through 2018.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

Melissa Hilliard, (407) 356-5351; e-mail melissa.hilliard@lmco.com

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources

Lockheed Martin

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DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Target Sight System Production Unit To The U.S. Marine Corps

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Target Sight System Production Unit To The U.S. Marine Corps *Sources: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, - July 2, 2009: Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the first Target Sight System (TSS) production unit at a ceremony held at its Orlando, FL, facility June 30. The TSS is the multi-sensor fire control system for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra helicopter. The TSS integrates state-of-the-art sensors, providing Cobra pilots with enhanced capabilities to acquire, track and designate targets. The system provides superior imagery through a highly-stabilized sensor suite that includes a laser designator, color TV and a third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing. "Lockheed Martin has worked hard to deliver a superior targeting system capability for the AH-1Z Cobra,” said Col. Harry Hewson, U.S. Marine Corps Program Manager Air 276. "TSS allows Warfighters to see farther with greater precision, enabling mission accomplishment and safe return to base. We are looking forward to deploying this capability in the field." The Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the initial TSS production contract in March 2008. Production will take place at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Ocala and Orlando, FL. Delivery of the 16 systems contracted will be completed in 2010. "We are committed to providing the U.S. Marine Corps with a sensor solution that provides outstanding value through high performance, reliability and combat survivability," said Mike Inderhees, director of Turreted Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "With TSS, Cobra pilots can now identify a threat from significantly increased standoff ranges, allowing them to accurately engage the enemy at maximum weapon ranges."Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.