Thieves almost steal targeting system

? Burglars almost made off with the display and controls for an Apache helicopter weapons-targeting system last week after cutting a hole in a door at the Lockheed Martin facility near Orlando International Airport.

This system, called a Tedac, consists of a 5-by 5-inch screen and joystick-like controllers that can be used by a helicopter co-pilot or gunner to find targets and aim weaponry. It was recovered Wednesday behind several bushes “south of the business” on Tradeport Drive, according to a police report.

Lockheed, the leading defense contractor for the U.S. military, has a contract with the Army to retrofit every Apache helicopter in the fleet with Tedac units.

“Obviously, Lockheed Martin puts a high priority on security, and this will be thoroughly investigated,” Don McClain, Lockheed Martin’s director of communications, said Saturday.