It has been reported that the U.S. Marine Corps will receive more advanced targeting gear for attack helicopters under a contract awarded to Lockheed Martin.

18 additional Target Sight System units are authorized under the $44 million follow-on production contract, Lockheed Martin said in an announcement on Monday.

Col. Harry Hewson, Marine Program Manager, A276, said, "I am confident that TSS is exacting the system our Cobra pilots need to put warheads on target. TSS provides the eyes and the combat power Marine pilots need to support other Marines on the battlefield."

The company further said that TSS gives pilots increased capabilities to acquire, track and designate targets through state-of-the-art sensors specifically tailored for the AH-1Z Cobra. Included in the package is a laser designator, color television screen and third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor for image processing.

Joseph Butera, a senior Lockheed program manager said, "The system allows pilots to see farther, providing a tactical advantage for today's and tomorrow's battlefields."

Lockheed received an initial order for 16 TSS units in 2008, and low-rate production will be completed next year. Lockheed said a contract for full-rate production of 226 TSS units is expected in the fall. (With Inputs from Agencies)