USMC awards two TSS contracts to Lockheed

The US Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded two follow-on contracts to Lockheed Martin to produce the target sight system (TSS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC) AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.

Under the two contracts, the company will also provide spare units and parts in addition to AH-1Z fleet programme support.

The new orders, totalling $30.6m, follow an initial TSS production contract in March 2008 and follow-on production contracts in June 2010 and September 2011.

The TSS is a multisensor fire control system for the AH-1Z Cobra that helps pilots to detect and identify targets at a stand-off range.

The highly stabilised sensor suite consists of a laser designator, colour video display and a third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing.

The system also ensures increased precise target engagements, accurate weapons delivery and reduced operator workload.

Production will be carried out at the company's facilities in Ocala and Orlando, Florida, US, and is expected to continue until 2018.