Lockheed Martin delivers AH-1Z Cobra TSS to USMC
Lockheed Martin recently began early delivery of Target Sight System (TSS) follow-on production units for the US 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.
Source: Lockheed Martin
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.
-
Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal
Canada's IMP Aerospace will carry out upgrades on 13 of the 16 AW101 aircraft covered by the CMLU programme under a sub-contract from Leonardo Helicopters UK.
-
US Coast Guard to upgrade radars for MH-60 and MH-65 helicopter fleets
New Honeywell IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radars will be installed on USCG MH-60 and MH-65 helicopters.