August 4, 2009: The army has ordered another 55 M-TADS/PNVS targeting units, as it continues to equip all its late model AH-64s with this device. The short name for M-TADS/PNVS is "Arrowhead." The first one was delivered four years ago, and eventually the army will buy over 800.
This device was developed as a higher performance, night sensor (Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor, or M-TADS/PNVS) for AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships. The new sensor is more sensitive, and combines a high resolution vidcam with FLIR (heat sensing), to show operators details like lighting (street lights or military searchlights), lasers and much more than any previous night sights. The new system is more reliable and cheaper to maintain. The images can be transferred to the helmet mounted sights, and the M-TADS/PNVS will move to look at whatever direction the pilot is facing. M-TADS/PNVS also contains a laser range finder and target designator. Each Arrowhead device costs about $2.6 million.
