Combat Service Support Eng Equip

Abstract

The M1A1 Survivability/Lethality Program effort includes critical product improvements such as the application of additional armor, integration of counter-sniper fire technology, and improvement to existing secondary armament systems. These improvements directly address Marine Corps Lessons Learned, after action reports, and will ensure maximum survivability. This project also includes improvements in all areas of the M1A1 main battle tank. The M1A1 tank provides armor protected firepower to the USMC ground combat element. Its advanced thermal sights provide superior target acquisition and target identification. Coupled with its 120mm cannon and suite of ammunition, it is the primary armor defeating weapon on the battlefield, that also provides lethal supporting fires to supported maneuver units. Continued funding is required to address obsolescence and support pre-planned product improvements. Route Reconnaissance and Clearance (R2C). A spiral development project enhances the capabilities of the R2C systems, a family of systems fielded in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) via the Urgent Needs Statement (UNS) process. This research and development effort will integrate future vehicles, robots, and associated equipment to provide standoff detection, marking, and neutralization of Explosive Hazards such as mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Enhancements for R2C will provide capabilities not found in the current inventory to defeat explosive hazards and will protect Marines and equipment while conducting route and area clearance operations. The integration of the next generation of armored security and support vehicles, Vehicle Mounted Mine Detectors (VMMDs), specialized robots, and a new suite of detection, marking, and neutralization systems will enable maneuver commanders to make timely and informed decisions in avoiding or neutralizing explosive hazards that impede their missions. Multiple detection and marking capabilities will detect a broader spectrum of explosive hazards and achieve higher overall effectiveness rates, while standoff and remote-controlled detection, marking, and neutralization capabilities will enhance force protection and system survivability. Operational speeds and rates will increase, which will better support the maneuver force operational tempo. The Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) is a tracked combat engineer vehicle that provides deliberate and in-stride breaching capability of minefields and complex obstacles to the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The ABV combines crew protection and vehicle survivability with the speed and mobility to keep pace with the maneuver force. The ABV is assigned to and employed by the Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) as part of a synchronized operation to rapidly breach obstacles and create lanes for the MAGTF. FY2010 / FY2011 funding will be used to develop a Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) capability, integrate an Insensitive Munition (IM) compliant line charge and integrate mine roller capability for the system. Standoff CIED capability from under armor will provide a significant increase in system flexibility and lethality while improving crew protection. An IM compliant line charge will permit safe loading of the charge while on the transport vessel well deck, enabling the ABV to begin performing its mission immediately upon touching the beach. Thus, the crew will not be forced to load the line charge on the shore, possibly under fire. Integration of a mine roller will increase the ABVs "proofing" (verifies no mines in the lane) capability, thus increasing mine clearing performance. The Engineer Modification Kit line funds modifications and initiatives which are required to address operational priorities, engineering change proposals, safety concerns, support equipment inefficiencies, product quality deficiencies and other issues that affect vehicle reliability, availability and readiness. This proactive and focused approach ensures proper vehicle sustainment and life cycle management in response to evolving needs of the Marine Corps fleet. Operational needs to provide personnel survivability on engineer equipment is essential to current and future operations. Research and development funding develops and integrates new lighter, compact armor technology and supports ballistic testing for applications to existing and future acquisitions. Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPAC): The useful life of Marine Corps assets will be extended through a comprehensive CPAC RDT&E program aimed at identifying and certifying new corrosion control products, materials, processes and procedures for legacy and new acquisition. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Family of Vehicles (FoV) provides Warfighters multi-mission platforms capable of mitigating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), underbody mines, and small arms fire threats, which are currently the greatest casualty producers in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). Four vehicle categories (CATs) are being tested, procured, fielded and sustained: Category I - Urban combat operations, ambulance. Category II - Multi-mission ops-convoy lead, troop transport, ambulance, utility vehicle. Category III - Mine/IED clearance ops, explosive ordnance disposal. MRAP All Terrain Vehicle - Combat operations (ops) in rural, mountainous, urban terrain.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 2316_0206624M_7_1319_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
• Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

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