BEAM: Breakthroughs – When Precision Meets the Battlefield

How Andover's Dual-Band Optical Filters Power the Apache AH-64's Advanced Targeting Systems

Part of our BEAM (Breakthroughs, Engineering, And Minds) Behind the Light series

The Mission: Over 800 Apache AH-64 helicopters rely on advanced optical systems for mission-critical operations. When Lockheed Martin needed a specialized filter for the helicopter's Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), they turned to Andover Corporation for a solution that would meet the most demanding specifications.

The Challenge: Engineering a dual-band filter that could handle both Nd:YAG laser alignment and eye-safe laser transmission in an impossibly thin profile.

The Technical Challenge That Changed Everything

When Lockheed Martin approached Andover Corporation, they weren't looking for an off-the-shelf solution. They needed something that had never been done before: a dual-band filter that could simultaneously handle a NdYAG laser at 1064nm while maintaining visibility for eye-safe laser wavelengths—all within a 3-inch diameter profile that was just 3mm thick.

"The design requirements seemed almost impossible at first," explains Michael Tiner - COO at Andover Corporation. "They needed exceptional blocking performance and superior transmission at two very specific bands, all while maintaining structural integrity in a paper-thin form factor."

Engineering Excellence Under Pressure

The solution required innovative thinking and Andover's full range of coating capabilities. Our team developed a sophisticated four-surface assembly utilizing three to four different coating technologies—a testament to our vertically integrated manufacturing process.

The breakthrough came through our unique approach to managing coating-induced stress. Starting with a thicker substrate, our precision polishing process gradually reduces the assembly to its final 3mm thickness, effectively countering the bending and twisting forces that complex coatings can introduce.

The final product features high-efficiency anti-reflective coatings that allow precise light transmission at both the primary laser line and eye-safe wavelengths—delivering the dual functionality Lockheed Martin required

Real-World Impact: 800+ Aircraft and Counting

Today, this dual-band filter technology sits at the tip of Apache helicopters worldwide, enabling pilots to:

• Accurately align targeting lasers
• Maintain visual confirmation through eye-safe laser systems
• Execute missions with enhanced precision and safety

The partnership represents more than just a successful product delivery—it demonstrates why prime contractors like Lockheed Martin continue to choose Andover Corporation for their most challenging optical requirements.

The Andover Advantage in Defense Applications

For over five decades, Andover Corporation has been the trusted partner for organizations requiring military-grade optical filters and precision optics for defense applications. Our laser-resistant coatings and space-qualified solutions continue to power critical missions across aerospace and defense sectors.

Whether you're developing next-generation targeting systems, environmental monitoring platforms, or advanced imaging solutions, Andover's team brings the same level of precision and partnership that has made us the go-to choice for industry leaders like Lockheed Martin.

Ready to discuss your optical filter requirements? Contact our engineering team to discover how Andover's custom optical solutions can power your next breakthrough.

BEAM (Breakthroughs, Engineering, And Minds) Behind the Light showcases the innovations, partnerships, and expertise that have driven Andover Corporation's success for five decades. Stay tuned for our next spotlight featuring another great mind behind the mission.