Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) NGCV-CFT
Abstract
The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) development efforts will produce unmanned ground combat vehicle prototypes to aid Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development, integrate and secure advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence algorithms, and inform follow-on production and fielding decisions. RCV will transition from Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) experimentation to deliberate hardware and software focused development programs to include a RCV Light (L) Middle-Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping program as well as a Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) program. RCV Experimentation, which concluded in 4Q FY2022, included initial hardware and software integration as well as Soldier Operational Experiments (SOE) to train, test, and evaluate the ability of Soldiers to perform missions using Mission Enabling Technology-Demonstrators (METDs) and Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs). Information gathered from the SOEs will be used to further inform MUM-T and which RCV(L) capabilities to develop. To solicit early Soldier feedback, the RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program will be accomplished through two complimentary lines of effort (LOE) - Surrogate Prototypes (SP) and Full System Prototypes (FSP). The RCV(L) Surrogate Prototypes (SP) LOE utilizes updated RCV experimental prototypes and new build SPs in an iterative design-upgrade-test approach that includes integration of a Minimum Viable Capability Release (MVCR) and follow-on Capability Releases (CR) from the RCV Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) program. The SP LOE includes annual design-upgrade-test cycles, each culminating in a Knowledge Point (KP) to review program process and determine SP capabilities ready for incorporation into the FSP LOE. The RCV(L) Full System Prototypes (FSP) LOE will leverage mature capabilities from previous RCV experimentation and SP development efforts and integrate additional embedded software, perception sensors, user control interfaces, and communication links that will permit autonomous movement, tele-op movement, and increased battlefield situational awareness. The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) focuses on embedded software development and sustainment activities including RCV autonomy software, control station software, and payload control software. The RCV SWP will provide software capabilities to the Surrogate Prototypes (SP) and Full System Prototype (FSP) LOEs for integration. The RCV SWP will incorporate Soldier and integrator feedback into product roadmaps to guide the development and maturation of critical software capabilities. The total cost of the RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program is $508.3 million (then-year dollars) RDT&E from FY 2022 to FY 2027. The RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) funding in this program element directly aligns with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Army Modernization Priority. There is no funding request in PB 2024 as the program continues development and transitions from PE 0604017A/ Robotics Development, CF4 / Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) NGCV-CFT (BA4) to Program Element 0604641A / Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle (TUGV), CF5 / Robotic Combat Vehicle (BA5) NGCV-CFT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- CF4_0604017A_4_2040_PB_2024
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