Army extends Apache logistics contract

Lockheed Martin Corp. will provide logistics management services for sensor and targeting components of the Army’s AH-64 Apache helicopter under a one-year, follow-on contract worth as much as $89 million .

Under the contract, the company will furnish performance-based logistics support for original and modernized versions of the Apache’s Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor, company officials said. The post-production services involve key aspects of supply chain management, such as spares planning, procurement, repairs, maintenance, modification and inventory management of the fielded systems, the officials said.

The Army Aviation and Missile Command has acknowledged that the performance-based logistics approach has improved fleet readiness, enhanced requisition fill rates and reduced lifecycle costs, the officials said.

Lockheed Martin, which has held the performance based logistics contract since 2007, earned $194.4 on it during the first two years.

The AH-64 is an all-weather helicopter. Apache pilots depend on the sophisticated electro-optical and fire control system to allow them to navigate safely during both day and night and fire the helicopter’s weapons with maximum precision.