Mechanics and operators, if you’re seeing screen degradation on the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Time Delay Unit (TADS/PNVS TDU), that’s a sign of a breakdown in the polarization layer of the unit caused by exposure to sunlight or solar radiation, as well as heat and humidity. To learn more about potential mission impacts of this damage, click on the link below to read a message from the product director:
Protecting the TDU from this type of damage is simple. Use the cover, NSN 1270-01-571-0298 (PN 76502623-001), to protect the TDU. The cover prevents or eliminates degradation.
Use cover to protect screen
Every new aircraft coming off the production line since 2007 has been issued a TDU cover and is a part of the aircraft flyaway gear. It is also included on the DA Form 2408-17, Aircraft Inventory Record.
Make a note that a publication update is in the works for the Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) TM 1-1520-Longbow/Apache, EM 0126 (May 21), to add the remove and install instructions for the TADS cover.
Got questions about TADS/PNVS? Contact the Apache Sensor Sensors Project Office POCs, Wayne Bubnick and Emily Austin, by email: