Lockheed Martin Tapped to Upgrade U.S. Air Force AC-130 Spectre Gunship Low Light Television Targeting System
ORLANDO, FL, January 27th, 1999 -- Lockheed Martin Electronics & Missiles has received a $25.15 million U.S. Air Force modification to an existing $7.6 million contract to upgrade the Low Light Level Television (LLLTV) system for the AC-130H Spectre Gunship used by the Air Force Special Operations Command. If all options are exercised, the contract could be worth up to $33 million and extend over four years. The LLLTV system enables the Spectre to covertly illuminate targets during night operations for the aircraft's battery of 20-, 40- and 105-mm guns. Using the system, crewmembers can shine a laser "flashlight" on potential ground targets -- a beam that is invisible to the naked eye, but not to the image intensifying cameras which display the target as a TV image used for fire control.
Planned upgrades include incorporation of a larger aperture lens with improved light-gathering capability and increased magnification; enhancements to the servo electronics and pedestal mounting structure to improve stabilization; an intensified CCD camera with advanced signal processing; and an ambient cooled laser illuminator which negates the requirement for liquid nitrogen cooling. The upgrades provide both operational enhancements as well as improved reliability resulting in substantial operations and support cost savings.
The AC-130H is a descendent of "Puff the Magic Dragon," the famed Vietnam era Gunship that supported U.S. ground troops. The aircraft, a variation of the Lockheed Martin C-130 cargo plane, brings enormous firepower to a battle, and is particularly suited for special operations. Lockheed Martin has supported the LLLTV program since 1991.
With company headquarters located in Orlando, Lockheed Martin Electronics & Missiles is a world leader in electro-optics, smart munitions, anti armor and air defense systems. The company is an operating element of Lockheed Martin Electronics Sector, based in Bethesda, Maryland
Nettie Johnson (407) 356-2211
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