ORLANDO, Fla., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] recently delivered the first Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) Laser Range Finder Designator (LRFD) to the U.S. Army for the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter.

"The new laser is the first component to be fielded in the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly," said Lt. Col. Steve Van Riper, U.S. Army product manager of Apache Sensors. "The U.S. Army looks forward to a lasting relationship with the Lockheed Martin and Selex team; we anticipate continued success as we quickly ramp-up to our planned production rate and begin fielding."

The modernized LRFD is the first phase of upgrades for the M-DSA program. The modernized LRFD mitigates obsolescence and provides enhanced performance to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system. The modernized LRFD is also the chief targeting aid for the Apache, establishing the range to target for accurate weapon aiming.

The M-DSA second phase upgrades bring color to the Apache cockpit display, improving situational awareness and communication with ground troops.  

"This milestone represents a highly successful team effort that provides significant benefit to the Apache pilot through system reliability, maintainability and performance," said Matt Hoffman, director of M-TADS/PNVS programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "With more than 685 modernized LRFD kits on contract, this milestone signifies Lockheed Martin's ability to deliver on its commitment to supporting the soldier."

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence. The Malcolm Baldrige Award represents the highest honor that can be awarded to American companies for achievement in leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, measurement, analysis, workforce excellence, operations and business results.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin