Robotic Combat Vehicle (BA5) NGCV-CFT
Abstract
The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) development programs, which include an RCV Light (L) Middle-Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping (MTA-RP) and an RCV Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) program, will produce unmanned ground combat vehicle prototypes to inform Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) maturation, Capabilities Development Document (CDD) development, acquisition and integration of secure advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence algorithms, and follow-on production and fielding decisions. 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 RCV experimental prototypes and new build SPs in an iterative design-upgrade-test approach that includes integration of software updates from the RCV SWP and follow-on Capability Releases (CR) from the RCV Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). The SP LOE includes recurring design-upgrade-test cycles from FY 2023-2026 that include FORSCOM operational pilots to collect Soldier feedback and demonstrate improved capabilities related to demonstrate improved capabilities to sensors, autonomous software, system safety and cyber and spectrum resiliency. Each design-upgrade-test cycle will culminate in a Knowledge Point (KP) to review program process and determine SP capabilities ready for incorporation into the FSP LOE. The SP LOE will also serve to validate user requirements, assist in finalization of the RCV(L) Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and inform DOTMLPF-P and force design considerations. 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 FSP acquisition strategy includes a full and open competition that will select up to four vendors to deliver demonstrators to inform down select to a single vendor for prototype build. Developmental testing of prototypes will include safety, Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM), lethality, survivability, and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) testing. Additionally, Operational Testing (OT) in the form of Limited User Tests (LUT) will be executed to evaluate system suitability and effectiveness. 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. A system integration laboratory (SIL) will be used in conjunction with RCV systems to verify and validate software capabilities in both virtual and live test environments. 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. This program directly aligns with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Army Modernization Priority. 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- CF5_0604641A_5_2040_PB_2024
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