Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs

Abstract

The Army has completed a comprehensive Combat Vehicle (CV) modernization strategy, which includes the Abrams, Bradley and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Platforms. This Program Element (PE) corrects vehicle deficiencies identified in Army operations; continues technical system upgrades to include the integration of applicable technologies on ground systems; addresses needed evolutionary enhancements to tracked combat vehicles; and, develops technology improvements which have application to or insertion opportunities across multiple Ground Combat Systems vehicles. This PE provides combat effectiveness and Operating and Support (O&S) cost reduction enhancements for the Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles through a series of product improvements. This project funds improvements to the Abrams Family of Vehicles (FOV). The Abrams mission is to provide necessary firepower, mobility and survivability to overmatch all current and emerging enemy threats in achieving decisive dominant maneuver. The M1A2 SEP (current production model) refers to a System Enhancement Package incorporated on the tank in 1998, which upgraded the M1A2's computer systems and its night vision capabilities. Since that time, the M1A2 SEP has virtually reached its upper limits for space, weight, and power (SWaP). The Abrams tank is expected to be in service through 2045 and will be modernized in accordance with a revised capabilities document to: (1) posture the tank infrastructure to enable incremental growth as a hedge against other risks and contingencies, (2) maintain threat overmatch to deter aggression, project power and protect US interests and allies around the globe - especially with regards to the lessons of counterinsurgency learned during the tank's successful campaigns during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and (3) leverage the mature and relevant technology enhancements from the Army Research & Development Technology base. The Abrams tank must embark on a modernization effort in order to remain relevant and maintain threat overmatch capability. The objective is to maintain Survivability, Combat Overmatch and reduce O&S costs through an evolutionary approach with incremental development. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle System (BFVS) improvements will provide the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) with an improved capability to effectively fight in current and future environments. The BFVS improvements achieve the Bradley Capability Development Document to maintain combat over match through a combination of enhanced survivability, mobility and situational awareness subsystems. Improved survivability will leverage and build on lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom to ensure protection against current and future threats in both asymmetric and full spectrum warfare. This provides the Bradley fleet the capability to complement the Abrams Tank and Ground Combat Vehicle in the HBCT. This also provides the HBCT commander with the necessary capabilities to employ the Bradley and Abrams in a combined arms approach as well as appropriate mounted and dismounted schemes of maneuver on current and future battlefields. The AMPV will provide the HBCT with a replacement for the M113 Family of Vehicles (FOVs) that is more survivable and mobile to accomplish operational support missions across the full spectrum of conflict. The AMPV will be designed with growth margin in anticipation of inbound and future interoperable capability. The AMPV will use a turretless Bradley A3 chassis and integrate the existing M113 Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs) for the General Purpose, Mortar and C2 vehicles. The MedEvac vehicle will integrate the CAIMAN Hagga system. This provides the AMPV fleet the capability to support the Abrams Tank, Bradley IFV and Ground Combat Vehicle in the HBCT. This also provides the HBCT commander with necessary capabilities to employ mounted and dismounted schemes of maneuver on current and future battlefields.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
0203735A_7_2040_PB_2012
Change Summary Explanation
Service Agency Name
Army

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Chemical Detection
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Engineering
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Generators
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Program Management
  • Simulations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Systems Engineering
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Science
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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