The Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $50 million production contract for the Target Sight System (TSS), a new fire control system for the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter. As the TSS developer, Lockheed Martin has begun producing 16 systems at facilities in Ocala and Orlando, FL. This first buy of TSS is scheduled for completion in 2010.

The TSS will add to the capability of the U.S. Marine Cobra fleet to protect the maritime battlespace, defeat armored seaborne and land threats, and provide improved surveillance for better situational awareness.

"We are pleased to provide Marine Corps aviation with a state-of-the-art precision system that will protect Warfighters and coalition forces," said Joseph Butera, Turreted Systems program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Long-range targeting and surveillance will enable aircrews to control engagements at safe standoff ranges, with a large increase in lethality and survivability."

Designated the AN/AAQ-30, the TSS provides electro-optical and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) multi-sensors for state-of-the-art targeting of missiles and gunfire at long ranges. The system provides superior capability to identify and laser-designate targets at maximum HELLFIRE missile range, increasing the Cobra's targeting capabilities and reducing cockpit workload. In a counter-insurgency role, the versatile system also provides day/night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The TSS consists of a large-aperture mid-wave sensor, color TV, a laser designator and rangefinder with eyesafe mode. An on-gimbal inertial measurement unit is integrated into a highly-stabilized turret to ensure rock-steady targeting. Advanced image processing algorithms improve long-range recognition and identification.

The lightweight TSS is also available for integration on other fixed- and rotary-wing platforms. A similar turreted system, the Gunship Multispectral Sensor, provides fire control for the AC-130 gunship.