Robotics Development

Abstract

The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Prototyping effort will produce unmanned combat vehicle prototypes with the purpose of providing vehicles that Soldiers will use to develop new Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and new requirements for unmanned combat vehicles to support Army Modernization priorities. RCV efforts will be executed in three (3) phases focused on increasing the complexity of RCV soldier maneuvers and expanding prototype platform capability. These efforts provide the basis for the Army to make the decision to move forward with a Robotic Combat Vehicle program transitioning from Technology Demonstrations to a Program of Record through Modeling and Simulation (M&S) development, initial prototype testing and iterative Soldier evaluations. This will stress the autonomy systems developed within the Science and Technology (S&T) base, assist the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team (NGCV CFT) with refining RCV requirements, and develop the CONOPS and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for Manned / Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) in combat relevant missions. Soldier Robotics Systems for Robotics Development (RD) improves robotic and autonomous program acquisition schedules by supporting the development of integrated and synchronized capability documents (e.g. Joint Capabilites Integration and Development System, Department Directed, etc.) and by maturing/transitioning technology. Activities include studies, assessments, and document development such as Technology Readiness Levels, Manufacturing Readiness Levels, Analysis of Alternatives/Letter of Sufficiency determinations, draft acquisition documents, and draft contract documents. Efforts include robotics and autonomous systems technology maturation/transition from S&T projects, Milestone Decision Documentation (MDD), and activities leading up to formal program initiation at Milestone B or C. The pre-acquisition activities conducted under this line intend to reduce acquisition cost, schedule, and performance risk by conducting market surveys, technical risk assessments, developing performance specifications, scopes of work, acquisition strategies, systems engineering plans, test and evaluation master plans, lifecycle sustainment plans, engaging in early test planning, and prototype development activities. This line is for robotic systems that are transported by vehicle and maneuver under their own power. The Battery Modernization & Interface Standardization (BMIS) program was established to help bring greater power efficiency and effectiveness to the dismounted Soldier and reduce the proliferation of proprietary batteries across the Army. BMIS will develop the Army Standard Family of Batteries (SFoB), a central acquisition management authority, and reduce 38 Communications-Electronics (C-E) battery types, currently in use, to just 3. Battery standardization and policy enforcement will support Operational Readiness at a reduced cost to the Army while maintaining configuration management, life cycle support, safety standards, and technological upgrades. Robotics Systems for Applique and Large Unmanned Ground Systems (ALUGS) RD improves robotic and autonomous program acquisition schedules by supporting the development of integrated and synchronized capability documents (e.g. JCIDS, Department Directed, etc.) and by maturing/transitioning technology. Activities include studies, assessments, and document development such as Technology Readiness Levels, Manufacturing Readiness Levels, Analysis of Alternatives/Letter of Sufficiency determinations, market research, draft acquisition documents, and draft contract documents. Efforts include robotics and autonomous systems technology maturation/transition from S&T projects, MDD, and activities leading up to formal program initiation at Milestone B or C. The pre-acquisition activities conducted under this line intend to reduce acquisition cost, schedule, and performance risk by conducting market surveys, technical risk assessments, developing performance specifications, scopes of work, acquisition strategies, systems engineering plans, test and evaluation master plans, lifecycle sustainment plans, engaging in early test planning, and prototype development activities. This line is for large robotic systems that are transported by vehicle, maneuver under their own power, or are installed as robotic applique kits. Research Development Technology Evaluation (RDTE) funds enable support to capability development of emerging systems currently including Tactical Wheeled Vehicle - Leader Follower (TWV-LF), Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), Dismounted Engineer Mobility System (DEMS), and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP). Funds prepare these capabilities for entrance into the Defense Acquisition System (i.e. Milestone decision). RDTE Product Manager Applique and Large Unmanned Ground Systems funding supports Leader Follower and ABV program transitions from Technology Demonstrations to Program of Record through Modeling and Simulation (M&S) development and initial prototype testing. This will stress the autonomy systems and ultimately reduce Program of Record testing requirements, technical risks, and costs through studies and validated simulations. Funding also supports the exploration and development of Expedient Leader Follower (ExLF) Applique on additional systems (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), and 915 truck fleets) beyond the Palletized Load System (PLS) and applique kits on existing Tactical Wheeled Vehicles.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
0604017A_4_2040_PB_2021
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2021 increase of $15.992 million aligns program requirements with Army modernization priorities for Project CF4 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) NGCV-CFT. .
Service Agency Name
Army

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Autonomous Systems
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Condition Based Maintenance
  • Configuration Management
  • Cost Analysis
  • Emerging Technology
  • Engineering
  • Ground Vehicles
  • Manufacturing
  • Product Development
  • Program Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Ground Systems
  • Unmanned Ground Vehicles
  • Unmanned Systems

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Autonomy
  • Microelectronics

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