Radar detector to integrate PowerPC microprocessor

Engineers at the Lockheed Martin Federal Systems division in Owego, N.Y., are upgrading the radar detector subsystem aboard the U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Longbow attack helicopter with the Motorola PowerPC 32-bit microprocessor. This upgrade of the Apache`s AN/APR-48A radar frequency inferometer will replace the system`s existing 16-bit Mil-Std 1750A microprocessor. The new PowerPC-based single-board computer is expected to provide increased performance, as well as lower power consumption, weight, and cost than the 1750A. This $94.4 million contract, from the Army Aviation & Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., follows newly established government guidelines for streamlining acquisition. Lockheed Martin engineers will deliver 207 prime systems and 15 spares under terms of the contract. - J.K.