Combat Service Support Eng Equip

Abstract

The M1A1 Mod Kit effort includes improvements in all areas of the M1A1 main battle tank and the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB). The M1A1 tank provides armor protected firepower to the USMC ground combat element. Efforts under the mod line pertaining to the M1A1 include improvements in lethality systems to increase armament accuracy, increase the crew's situational awareness through sensor enhancements and intra-vehicular data sharing, providing for off-board targeting improvement, and environmental testing of components. The AVLB provides the Marine Corps only armor-protected assault gap crossing capability. Continued funding is required to address obsolescence, address operational deficiencies to adapt the tank and AVLB to a changing operational environment and support user-defined product improvements. These improvements directly address Marine Corps Lessons Learned, after action reports, and will ensure maximum survivability, sustainability, and readiness. 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 employed by the Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) as part of a synchronized operation to rapidly breach obstacles and create lanes for the MAGTF. FY 2011 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 tactical mobility for Warfighters with multi-mission vehicles designed to support urgent operational needs, and protect personnel from the effects of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), underbody mines, and small arms fire threats. Five 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 (M-ATV)- Combat operations (ops) in rural, mountainous, urban terrain. Other Protected Vehicles- Specialty mission or unique configuration. Provides the same threshold ballistic, mine and IED protection as other MRAP vehicles. Includes the MRAP Recovery Vehicle (MRV) variant. The Low Metallic Signature Mine Detector (LMSMD) will provide operational commanders the ability to maintain dismounted mobility by detecting landmines and explosive devices, and increase security for convoys by allowing engineers to sweep suspected IED sites with minimal exposure time. Integrate into existing C2 systems in order to maximize freedom of movement and situational awareness and reduce C-IED reaction times. The Ground Combat Element, Engineer Squad Robot(ESR) with a lightweight back packable robot will support the maneuver commander with organic route and obstacle reconnaissance, urban scouting and breaching capabilities, explosive detection, interrogation and reduction in support of dismounted tactical maneuver across the spectrum of conflict. The Robot will be part of the T/E of Combat Engineer Squads in both active and reserve Combat Engineer Battalions (CEB), Marine Wing support Squadrons (MWSS) and additional systems are allocated for supporting establishments.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 2316_0206624M_7_1319_PB_2013

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

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