DRS Awarded $59.9 M to Provide Infrared Assemblies for U.S. Army Apache Helicopter Arrowhead System

(Parsippany, N.J., February 19, 2008) -- DRS Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: DRS) announced today it was awarded two contracts by the Missiles and Fire Control segment of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) to produce key components for the Apache helicopter Arrowhead(R) system. The two awards, for $31.4 and $28.5 million, push the total DRS awards to date for the Arrowhead program to more than $240 million.

The DRS receiver and integrated detector assemblies produced for this program are major components of Arrowhead Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS) systems. Used in U.S. Army AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, these systems help ensure safe flights and efficient targeting in conditions of darkness and very poor visibility.


The $31.4 million contract, to be completed by DRS's Sensors & Targeting Systems - Optronics Division in Melbourne, Florida, covers the delivery of Pilotage and Targeting receiver assemblies. The $28.5 million contract, for Standard Advanced Dewar Assembly I (SADA I) units used in the receiver assemblies, will be fulfilled by the company's Infrared Technologies Division in Dallas, Texas.

These DRS products enable the Arrowhead system to provide high-resolution infrared images both in the cockpit and on the pilot's helmet-mounted display. Advanced processing helps ensure images with such quality that pilots are able to avoid even difficult-to-detect obstacles such as wires during low-altitude flights.

"Not only do our products help the Apache system increase aircrew survivability and lethality, they play a key role in protecting soldiers' lives on the ground as well," said James M. Baird, president of the DRS Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition (RSTA) business segment. "We're proud to make such a significant contribution to the safety and effectiveness of our military's Apache crews."

Source : DRS Technologies Inc.