Global security company Lockheed Martin delivered the first modernized day sensor assembly (M-DSA) upgrade prototype units to the US Army for use on the Apache attack helicopter, it announced.

Five system design and development laser rangefinder designators (LRFDs) were delivered to the Army under a three-year contract awarded to Lockheed in September 2008 to modernize the helicopter’s day sensor assembly.

The chief targeting aid for the Apache, the LRFD establishes the range to the target for accurate weapon aiming. For the Hellfire II missile, the LRFD designates the aim point with a laser spot. Additionally, the M-DSA LRFD adds an eye-safe laser for safe training exercises.

The first phase of the upgrades will enhance the system’s performance, mitigate obsolescence, and increase the modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night-vision sensor system’s ability to accommodate future weapons.

A second phase will include upgrades to the visible color sensor, laser spot tracker, inertial measurement unit and day sensor structure assembly, and will add a laser pointer capability.

For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com