Support Equipment

Apache Fire Control

Apache Fire Control is Lockheed Martin's Apache sensor and fire-control family for AH-64D/E helicopters. It centers on M-TADS/PNVS and Gen 3 TADS/PNVS, which provide targeting, pilotage, and long-range precision engagement in day, night, and adverse-weather missions.

Apache Helicopter Platforms

Lockheed Martin says Apache Fire Control products are built for AH-64D/E Apache helicopters and improve aircrew targeting and pilotage.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
AH-64 Apache attack helicopterAttack helicopter platform

Lockheed Martin says Apache Fire Control products include electro-optical sensors and radar technologies for the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter, providing enhanced situational awareness and survivability for Apache aircrews.

Sources: Apache Fire Control

AH-64E Apache attack helicopterAttack helicopter platform

Lockheed Martin says Apache Fire Control products include electro-optical sensors and radar technologies for the AH-64D/E Apache helicopter, providing enhanced situational awareness and survivability for Apache aircrews.

Sources: Apache Fire Control

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Lockheed Martin
Type
Electro-optical fire-control sensor suite
Service note
2005-present
Designer
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
Designed
2000s
Produced
2005-present
Number built
More than 1,240 Gen 3 TADS/PNVS systems delivered
Variants
M-TADS/PNVS, Gen 3 TADS/PNVS, Gen 3 DSA, Longbow radar

Also Known As

  • Apache sensors
  • Apache Fire Control
  • M-TADS/PNVS
  • MTADS/PNVS
  • Arrowhead
  • Gen 3 TADS/PNVS
sensorradarnight visionprecision fires

Specifications

System role
Electro-optical sensors and radar technologies for AH-64D/E Apache helicopters
Targeting and pilotage
Provides targeting, pilotage, situational awareness, and precision engagement in day, night, and adverse-weather missions
Fielding
M-TADS/PNVS first fielded in 2005
Combat debut
First saw combat in Iraq in 2006
Lineage
Gen 3 TADS/PNVS builds on more than 35 years of Apache sensor development

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
M-TADS/PNVS was first fielded in 2005; the Army reports its first combat deployment to Iraq in 2006, and Lockheed Martin says Gen 3 TADS/PNVS remains in service on AH-64D/E Apache helicopters.
Used by
U.S. Army, International AH-64D/E Apache operators
Wars
War in Afghanistan

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

Exact model: Gen 3 Day Sensor Assembly (DSA), part of Lockheed Martin Gen 3 TADS/PNVS for AH-64D/E Apache. It is a subassembly of the Apache fire-control system; conflict use follows Apache M-TADS/PNVS use, which first saw combat in Iraq in 2006 and was used in Afghanistan.

Apache Fire Control Images

Related Weapon Systems

AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command attack aircraft family derived from the C-130 Hercules. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J variants combine sensors, fire-control systems, cannon armament, and precision-guided munitions for close air support, armed reconnaissance, air interdiction, and overwatch, roles documented in Afghanistan during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Resolute Support, and the Kabul evacuation.

Sources