The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Lockheed Martin an $80 million follow-on contract for the Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) the electro-optical/infrared fire control system for the AC-130U Gunship. Four initial production units are in process and scheduled for delivery later this year.

This production contract follows the highly successful risk reduction flight demonstration that assessed system performance in target imaging, line-of-sight stabilization, image blending, image processing and system controls. The engineering and manufacturing development system is currently undergoing flight tests.

"GMS2 supports weapon delivery at maximum engagement ranges, thereby significantly enhancing platform lethality and survivability during defining moments of battle," said Mike Inderhees, director of Turreted Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"GMS2 sensor operators will benefit from unprecedented capabilities in target acquisition/designation and situational awareness."

The addition of GMS2 on the AC-130U will broaden the range of options to Warfighters and not only fulfill traditional missions, but also meet the demands of non-traditional combat operations for coalition forces.

The contract includes 12 ship sets of prime mission equipment, readiness spares kits, depot level spares and technical orders and data.

GMS2 consists of a large-aperture, a midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor, two image-intensified television (I2TV) cameras, a near-infrared (NIR) laser pointer, and a laser designator/rangefinder (with eyesafe mode). Its sensor also uses image blending for improved passive situational awareness during night operations.

Lockheed Martin's facility in Akron, OH, supplies the two image-intensified television cameras for each GMS2 turret.

These components are integrated into a highly stabilized turret to ensure outstanding image quality and highly accurate line-of-sight pointing for gunfire control. Logistics support ensures the contractor guaranteed system availability and reduced life-cycle costs.