Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the 500th Arrowhead system to the U.S. Army at a celebration held at its Ocala and Orlando, FL, facilities. Arrowhead is the U.S. Army's Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Known as the "eyes of the Apache," the Arrowhead system provides Apache pilots the most advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities to ensure flight safety in day, night and adverse-weather missions.

"The delivery of the 500th Arrowhead system marks a significant milestone," said LTC John Vannoy, product manager for Apache sensors. "It demonstrates the teamwork and total commitment to success from the Arrowhead Team and Program. Our Soldiers deserve nothing less."

"We are proud to develop and integrate a system that helps Apache pilots complete their missions safely," said Bob Gunning, vice president of Apache Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"This 500th delivery milestone signifies the strong dedication we and our Army partners have to outfitting our Warfighters with the most advanced capabilities available."

Arrowhead uses forward-looking infrared sensors to provide pilots with enhanced image resolution, allowing Apache aviators significant standoff range and unrivaled targeting capabilities.

Arrowhead improves performance and reliability over legacy systems by more than 150 percent, reduces maintenance actions by nearly 60 percent, and will save the Army nearly $1 billion in operation and support costs over its 20-year system life.

Electronics assembly of the Arrowhead system is performed at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's Ocala facility, while final assembly is performed in Orlando.

Both sites were recognized in 2007 by IndustryWeek as two of the top 10 'Best Plants in the Country'. The plants were chosen for their efficient and strategic manufacturing processes as well as their dedication to continuous improvement through lean thinking.