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 M2/M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle is at or exceeds Space, Weight, and Power-Cooling (SWaP-C) limitations. To host and restore lost platform capability, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle program shall execute a series of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to support the current embedded systems and to facilitate integration of technologies currently in development under other existing Programs of Record. The ECPs are not intended to exceed the operational capability outlined in current system requirements documents, but rather to ensure that the existing system performance is not further degraded and that Army mission equipment packages can be integrated on the Bradley platform. The AMPV will provide the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (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 selected upon completion of the Analysis of Alternatives in FY 2013.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 0203735A_7_2040_PB_2013
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Combat Vehicles
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Embedded Systems
• Engineering
• Governments
• Overmatch
• Platforms
• Product Development
• Program Management
• Qualifications
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Vehicles
• Warfare

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Space