GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Encyclopedia
The Ground Combat Vehicle Infantry Fighting Vehicle is an infantry fighting vehicle
being developed for the U.S. Army
. The program originated as the lead vehicle of the U.S. Army's Ground Combat Vehicle
program coordinated by TACOM and spawned a parallel program coordinated by DARPA. The purpose of the program is to replace existing armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles in U.S. Army service. The DARPA project aims to have the vehicle designed by 2015. Derivatives of the vehicle based on a common chassis
—such as tanks and ambulances—are expected to be manufactured. It replaces the previous attempt at a next-generation infantry transport, the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle.
6. The shortfalls of rapid deployment would be mitigated through an incremental addition of components as technology matures. The Army provides details from the Manned Ground Vehicle effort to utilize on the GCV. The GCV is required to have better protection than any vehicle in the military's inventory.
General Peter W. Chiarelli
has said that the "four main fundamentals" of the vehicle are: The ability to carry 12 soldiers, operate in all forms of combat, have significant protection and deliver the first production vehicle by 2018.
The IFV will be modular
and networked
and offer improved survivability, mobility and power management functions. The GCV family will use technologies pioneered with the IFV lead vehicle effort.
The Mounted Soldier System
(MSS) is being developed for GCV crew members. MSS works as a force multiplier
enhancing situation awareness
, comfort, and safety. Dismounted leaders will utilize the Ground Soldier Systems.
of decision making.
The Mounted Soldier System enhances situational awareness through wireless communications and input from vehicle sensors and external sources such as other vehicles.
cargo aircraft, rail and ship. The Army will limit the vehicle to the dimensions of the C-17 rather than smaller aircraft such as the C-130
, which in the past has restricted many designs. The Army requires the IFV to be as logistically deployable as the current Stryker. The IFV will have good cross-country mobility, with a baseline requirement of 30 miles per hour (13.4 m/s) off-road speed. A certain degree of the ability to ford
and cross gaps will also be required. The IFV should deliver improved maintainability and consume less fuel than the Bradley Fighting Vehicle or other vehicles of similar weight and power.
In its standard configuration the IFV will have a crew of three and carry a squad of nine. The vehicle can be reconfigured to support casualty evacuation. The Army has stated no preference as to whether the IFV should be tracked or wheeled but suggests that it be tracked due to the weight stemming from the requirements.
, coaxial weapon, and an anti-tank guided missile
system. The weapons suite must be manually operable when damaged and the commander's weapon station must incorporate a shield. Additionally, a dismountable anti-armor weapon will be carried on-board. The Army also stated that the weapon suite will emphasis modularity, be able to defeat other IFVs and provide non-lethal capability to enable use in civilian environments.
will be leveraged and the army has offered the various active protection systems developed for the manned ground vehicle program. The GCV enables the detection and neutralization of mines at standoff ranges. The vehicle is also equipped with an engagement detection system. The army requires the IFV to have the passive blast protection level equal to the MRAP
. The army is making available the composition of the armor of the manned ground vehicle program. A transparent armor shield will provide protection for the vehicle commandeer when exposed through the turret. Personnel will leverage harnesses and restraints to mitigate trauma. In addition, a Vehicle Health Management System will provide live health monitoring systems for commanders. A fire suppression system and ammunition detonation protection will be utilized for damage control.
The Mounted Soldier System will protect crew members from ballistic, thermal, and CBRN threats. The Mounted Soldier System incorporates fire retardant
systems such as the Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Coverall and undergarments, facewear, gloves, and footwear
. Ballistic protection will come from the Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet, eyewear, a maxillofacial shield
and improvements to body armor. A secondary squad egress is provided for the squad to exit in emergencies.
, M2 Bradley
and M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle
. It is the U.S. Army's intention that this IFV replace the M113 APC in the near term and the M2 Bradley, and M1126 ICV in the midterm.
In the U.S. Army, as part of the ongoing restructuring, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Brigades would have an arsenal of 62 IFV's, battalion
s would have 29, and platoon
s would have 4. Platoons are to be led by platoon leader GCV which would be accompanied by platoon medic, forward observer
, Radio Transmission Operator and other attachments and would command three other GCVs.
and the program resulted in an ambitious "gold-plated" vehicle design. The program was abruptly canceled in August 2010, before any contracts were awarded.
Conception
An Army presentation in March revealed that TARDEC, ARL
, and TRADOC - ARCIC had partnered to analyze the survivability of the army's "Ground Combat Vehicle". Army Chief of Staff Robert Gates announced his intention of halting funding for the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle of the FCS manned ground vehicle program in April 2009. In late May, Army and Department of Defense representatives outlined plans for the cancellation of Future Combat Systems and the initiation of the Ground Combat Vehicle program in its place. On 15 and 16 June, a blue-ribbon panel
convened in Washington D.C. to determine the requirements for the Ground Combat Vehicle. It was concluded at this meeting that an Infantry Fighting Vehicle would be the first vehicle variant fielded. Defense contractors were not allowed to attend but at least six in attendance were employed by defense companies that eventually bid on the GCV contract. On 23 June, Future Combat Systems was formally dissolved and many programs including the Manned Ground Vehicle program were canceled with it. On 19 October, contractors turned up for a U.S. Army organized industry day
event in Dearborn, Michigan
to learn about the requirements. In late October PEO Integration was established to oversee subsystems of BCT Modernization including the GCV. On 24 November, a second industry day was held in Warren, Michigan
.
After much delay, reviews necessary for continuation were held throughout February, in Washington D.C. The GCV review was officially passed on 25 February and a request for proposal (RfP) was issued the same day. It was revealed in the RfP that the GCV would be a cost-plus contract
. Companies had 60 days to respond, but this offer was extended an additional 25 days. In May, a "red team" was formed to curtail the GCVs 7-year development schedule. By the 21 May deadline, four proposals were submitted. On 1 July, management of the GCV was transferred from PEO Integration to PEO Ground Combat Systems with Andrew DiMarco as project manager
.
For fiscal year 2011
, the U.S. Army intended to spend $934 million of the $2.5 billion allocated for BCT Modernization to develop the GCV. Reportedly, $100 million was removed from the yet to be approved budget but the budget continued to reported as $934 million.
On 25 August the army retracted its request for proposals after the red team assembled in May recommended that the army either upgrade the existing ground vehicle fleet or rewrite the requirements.
Projections
The Technology Development Phase (or Milestone A) was to begin with the award of up to three vehicle contracts awarded in late Fiscal Year 2010 under the Technology Development Phase Contract. A Preliminary Design Review would follow in mid FY 2012. The U.S. military planned to spend $7.6 billion during Milestone A.
The Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase (or Milestone B) was to begin with two prototype development contracts awarded in the beginning of Fiscal Year 2013 under the Engineering & Manufacturing Development Contract. Shortly thereafter, an Interim Critical Design Review would follow in Mid-FY 2013. After a nearly two-year manufacturing period the first prototypes would be manufactured Mid-FY 2015 after which a Critical Design Review and a Production Readiness Review would occur in FY 2015 and FY 2016 respectively.
The Low Rate Initial Production Phase (or Milestone C) was to begin with a low-rate production contract awarded in mid Fiscal Year 2016 under the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract. Less than two years after the contract award LRIP would begin. After more testing a battalion
-sized team would be attained in FY 2018 followed by a brigade
-sized arsenal in FY 2019.
If a Full-Rate Production Decision was attained, full-rate production would begin. The U.S. military planned on procuring 1,450 IFVs at a total program cost of $40 billion.
Competitors
There were four known competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.
was awarded a $23,828,000 contract modification for the development of systems supporting GCV development. This contract was tendered by the U.S. Air Force and $2,180,000 in funds was obligated at the time of the award. An industry day was held 1 October in Dearborn, Michigan. The Army reduced its requested FY 2011 budget to $462 million. Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and BAE Systems announced their intention of re-competing soon after the cancellation. A revised RfP was to be issued around 27 October 2010. Military officials met on 20 October to discuss delaying the RfP to allow leaders time to deliberate about requirements. The panel recommended releasing the RfP without delay but George Casey said he would need time to commit to a decision. Senior leaders at the meeting felt that the 27 October target could be met. The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
suggested deferring development of the GCV until after 2015.
The revised RfP was issued on 30 November. ADVS announced its decision to not submit a proposal. ADVS decision not to compete was stated to be that the vehicle's slow procurement timeline was not suited to "ADVS’ rapid development and fielding capabilities".
Up to three cost-plus contract
s were to be awarded nine months after the RfP was released. An acquisition decision memorandum on 17 August allowed the program to award technology development contracts. It also initiated two reviews of alternatives including a revised analysis of alternatives and an analysis of non-developmental vehicles. The 18 August, the Army awarded technology development contracts to only BAE and GDLS. BAE was awarded $450 million while GDLS was awarded $440 million. SAIC followed up with a bid protest on 26 August further delaying GCV development. It believes the evaluations process was flawed and the evaluation took factors into consideration that were not stated in the request for proposal.
Projections
$884 million is requested by the U.S. Army to fund the GCV in FY 2012. The technology development phase will be a 24 months long, 3 months shorter than the previous plan. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase will be 48 months long. The Army plans on acquiring 1,874 GCV's.
.
Competitors
There were three known competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.
to engineer several IFVs.
The program will occur in three phases. The Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge lasts nine months and begins in mid-2012. A prize of $.5-1 million for winning design or designs will be awarded. The Chassis/Integrated Survivability Challenge lasts nine months and begins in the beginning of 2013 concurrent to the Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge. A prize of $.5-1 million for winning design or designs will be awarded. The Total Platform Challenge lasts 15 months and begins in late 2013. A prototype would be completed and this could potentially compete with TACOM's GCV. The vehicle's design itself would be open source
.
Legislation
Infantry fighting vehicle
An infantry fighting vehicle , also known as a mechanized infantry combat vehicle , is a type of armoured fighting vehicle used to carry infantry into battle and provide fire support for them...
being developed for the U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
. The program originated as the lead vehicle of the U.S. Army's Ground Combat Vehicle
BCT Ground Combat Vehicle Program
The Ground Combat Vehicle is the U.S. Army's replacement program for armored fighting vehicles in Heavy and Stryker brigade combat teams. The GCV is organized under the Follow On Incremental Capabilities Package of the BCT Modernization program. The first variant of the vehicle is to be prototyped...
program coordinated by TACOM and spawned a parallel program coordinated by DARPA. The purpose of the program is to replace existing armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles in U.S. Army service. The DARPA project aims to have the vehicle designed by 2015. Derivatives of the vehicle based on a common chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
—such as tanks and ambulances—are expected to be manufactured. It replaces the previous attempt at a next-generation infantry transport, the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle.
Design
The Army emphasizes affordability, rapid deployment and low risk technology for the GCV. The army requires that all aspects of the Ground Combat Vehicle be at technology readiness levelTechnology Readiness Level
Technology Readiness Level is a measure used by some United States government agencies and many of the world's major companies to assess the maturity of evolving technologies prior to incorporating that technology into a system or subsystem...
6. The shortfalls of rapid deployment would be mitigated through an incremental addition of components as technology matures. The Army provides details from the Manned Ground Vehicle effort to utilize on the GCV. The GCV is required to have better protection than any vehicle in the military's inventory.
General Peter W. Chiarelli
Peter W. Chiarelli
Peter W. Chiarelli is a United States Army General who is serving as the 32nd and current Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. He previously served as commander, Multi-National Corps—Iraq under General George W. Casey, Jr. He assumed his current assignment on August 4, 2008...
has said that the "four main fundamentals" of the vehicle are: The ability to carry 12 soldiers, operate in all forms of combat, have significant protection and deliver the first production vehicle by 2018.
The IFV will be modular
Modular design
Modular design, or "modularity in design" is an approach that subdivides a system into smaller parts that can be independently created and then used in different systems to drive multiple functionalities...
and networked
BCT Network
The Army will continue development and fielding of an incremental ground tactical network capability to all Army brigade combat teams. This network is a layered system of interconnected computers and software, radios, and sensors within the Brigade Combat Team...
and offer improved survivability, mobility and power management functions. The GCV family will use technologies pioneered with the IFV lead vehicle effort.
The Mounted Soldier System
Mounted Soldier System
The Mounted Soldier System or Ground Warrior is a combat vehicle crewman ensemble integrating advanced gear as an effective force multiplier in combat theater.-Sub-components:...
(MSS) is being developed for GCV crew members. MSS works as a force multiplier
Force multiplication
Force multiplication, in military usage, refers to an attribute or a combination of attributes which make a given force more effective than that same force would be without it. The expected size increase required to have the same effectiveness without that advantage is the multiplication factor...
enhancing situation awareness
Situation awareness
Situation awareness, situational awareness, or SA, is the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and/or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status after some variable has changed, such as time...
, comfort, and safety. Dismounted leaders will utilize the Ground Soldier Systems.
Network
The IFV would be operable with the current Battle Command Control and Communications Suite but would gradually use a more revolutionary networked integration system. The system would support integration with unmanned systems, and dismounted soldiers, providing adaptive access points and connectivity. The new network concept calls for decentralizationDecentralization
__FORCETOC__Decentralization or decentralisation is the process of dispersing decision-making governance closer to the people and/or citizens. It includes the dispersal of administration or governance in sectors or areas like engineering, management science, political science, political economy,...
of decision making.
The Mounted Soldier System enhances situational awareness through wireless communications and input from vehicle sensors and external sources such as other vehicles.
Electrical power
The IFV would provide exportable electrical power, and battery charging capability for soldier systems.Mobility
The IFV must be transportable by C-17C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
cargo aircraft, rail and ship. The Army will limit the vehicle to the dimensions of the C-17 rather than smaller aircraft such as the C-130
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, which in the past has restricted many designs. The Army requires the IFV to be as logistically deployable as the current Stryker. The IFV will have good cross-country mobility, with a baseline requirement of 30 miles per hour (13.4 m/s) off-road speed. A certain degree of the ability to ford
Ford (crossing)
A ford is a shallow place with good footing where a river or stream may be crossed by wading or in a vehicle. A ford is mostly a natural phenomenon, in contrast to a low water crossing, which is an artificial bridge that allows crossing a river or stream when water is low.The names of many towns...
and cross gaps will also be required. The IFV should deliver improved maintainability and consume less fuel than the Bradley Fighting Vehicle or other vehicles of similar weight and power.
In its standard configuration the IFV will have a crew of three and carry a squad of nine. The vehicle can be reconfigured to support casualty evacuation. The Army has stated no preference as to whether the IFV should be tracked or wheeled but suggests that it be tracked due to the weight stemming from the requirements.
Offensive capabilities
The army would like the vehicle to feature a commander’s weapons station, autocannonAutocannon
An autocannon or automatic cannon is a rapid-fire projectile weapon firing a shell as opposed to the bullet fired by a machine gun. Autocannons often have a larger caliber than a machine gun . Usually, autocannons are smaller than a field gun or other artillery, and are mechanically loaded for a...
, coaxial weapon, and an anti-tank guided missile
Anti-tank guided missile
An anti-tank missile , anti-tank guided missile , anti-tank guided weapon or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armored military vehicles....
system. The weapons suite must be manually operable when damaged and the commander's weapon station must incorporate a shield. Additionally, a dismountable anti-armor weapon will be carried on-board. The Army also stated that the weapon suite will emphasis modularity, be able to defeat other IFVs and provide non-lethal capability to enable use in civilian environments.
Countermeasures
Thermal management and acoustic noise reduction will be utilized to avoid detection. The vehicle will be able to avoid threats by laying obscurants. An array of hit avoidance systemsActive protection system
An active protection system is a system designed to prevent sensor-based weapons from acquiring and/or destroying a target....
will be leveraged and the army has offered the various active protection systems developed for the manned ground vehicle program. The GCV enables the detection and neutralization of mines at standoff ranges. The vehicle is also equipped with an engagement detection system. The army requires the IFV to have the passive blast protection level equal to the MRAP
MRAP (armored vehicle)
A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected is a family of armored fighting vehicles design led by the United States Marine Corps in use by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces with the goal of surviving IED attacks and ambushes - prompted by US deaths in Iraq...
. The army is making available the composition of the armor of the manned ground vehicle program. A transparent armor shield will provide protection for the vehicle commandeer when exposed through the turret. Personnel will leverage harnesses and restraints to mitigate trauma. In addition, a Vehicle Health Management System will provide live health monitoring systems for commanders. A fire suppression system and ammunition detonation protection will be utilized for damage control.
The Mounted Soldier System will protect crew members from ballistic, thermal, and CBRN threats. The Mounted Soldier System incorporates fire retardant
Fire retardant
A fire retardant is a substance other than water that reduces flammability of fuels or delays their combustion. This typically refers to chemical retardants but may also include substances that work by physical action, such as cooling the fuels; examples of these include fire-fighting foams and...
systems such as the Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Coverall and undergarments, facewear, gloves, and footwear
Tanker boot
Tanker boots are military boots closely associated with soldiers who serve on tanks and tracked vehicles in general. It is said the idea was borrowed from the French crewmen encountered during World War I when then-Captain George S. Patton, Jr. established the United States Tank Corps...
. Ballistic protection will come from the Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet, eyewear, a maxillofacial shield
Ballistic face mask
A ballistic face mask, also known as facial armor, is a type of personal armor designed to protect the wearer from ballistic threats. Ballistic face masks are usually made of kevlar or other bullet resistant materials and the inside of the mask may be padded for shock absorption, depending on the...
and improvements to body armor. A secondary squad egress is provided for the squad to exit in emergencies.
Tactics
The Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant is intended to fill the infantry transport role in Heavy Brigade Combat Teams replacing the aging M113 APCM113 armored personnel carrier
The M113 is a fully tracked armored personnel carrier that has formed the backbone of the United States Army's mechanized infantry units from the time of its first fielding in Vietnam in April 1962. The M113 was the most widely used armored vehicle of the U.S...
, M2 Bradley
M2 Bradley
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is an American fighting vehicle platform manufactured by BAE Systems Land and Armaments, formerly United Defense.As with other infantry fighting vehicles, the Bradley is designed to transport infantry with armor protection while providing covering fire to suppress enemy...
and M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle
M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle
The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle is an armoured personnel carrier and part of the Stryker family of vehicles , used by the United States Army.-General:...
. It is the U.S. Army's intention that this IFV replace the M113 APC in the near term and the M2 Bradley, and M1126 ICV in the midterm.
In the U.S. Army, as part of the ongoing restructuring, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Brigades would have an arsenal of 62 IFV's, battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
s would have 29, and platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
s would have 4. Platoons are to be led by platoon leader GCV which would be accompanied by platoon medic, forward observer
Artillery observer
A military artillery observer or spotter is responsible for directing artillery fire and close air support onto enemy positions. Because artillery is an indirect fire weapon system, the guns are rarely in line-of-sight of their target, often located tens of miles away...
, Radio Transmission Operator and other attachments and would command three other GCVs.
TACOM
The Ground Combat Vehicle is envisioned to be a model of acquisition reform. The initial program was canceled a year into development and was soon replaced with a new program better emphasizing affordability.Initial program
In the initial plan, the first variant of the vehicle was to be prototyped in 2015 and fielded by 2017. The U.S. military planned on procuring 1,450 IFVs at a total program cost of $40 billion. The initial plans were simple: design an interim, upgradeable vehicle that could be developed quickly and cheaply. The initial plan was fraught by development hellDevelopment hell
In the jargon of the media-industry, "development hell" is a period during which a film or other project is trapped in development...
and the program resulted in an ambitious "gold-plated" vehicle design. The program was abruptly canceled in August 2010, before any contracts were awarded.
Conception
An Army presentation in March revealed that TARDEC, ARL
ARL
ARL may refer to:*Admiralty Research Laboratory, a UK military research laboratory.*Aero Research Limited, a UK company involved in the development of aircraft adhesives....
, and TRADOC - ARCIC had partnered to analyze the survivability of the army's "Ground Combat Vehicle". Army Chief of Staff Robert Gates announced his intention of halting funding for the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle of the FCS manned ground vehicle program in April 2009. In late May, Army and Department of Defense representatives outlined plans for the cancellation of Future Combat Systems and the initiation of the Ground Combat Vehicle program in its place. On 15 and 16 June, a blue-ribbon panel
Blue-Ribbon Panel
Blue-ribbon panel is an informal term generally used to describe a group of exceptional persons appointed to investigate or study a given question. The term generally connotes a degree of independence from political influence or other authority, and such panels usually have no direct authority of...
convened in Washington D.C. to determine the requirements for the Ground Combat Vehicle. It was concluded at this meeting that an Infantry Fighting Vehicle would be the first vehicle variant fielded. Defense contractors were not allowed to attend but at least six in attendance were employed by defense companies that eventually bid on the GCV contract. On 23 June, Future Combat Systems was formally dissolved and many programs including the Manned Ground Vehicle program were canceled with it. On 19 October, contractors turned up for a U.S. Army organized industry day
Industry day
An industry day is an event held by a military to present requirements to industry representatives for weapons or vehicles. Common presentation methods include outlines by powerpoint. Industry days are usually held in succession with each event holding fewer people as contractors drop their bids....
event in Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn, Michigan
-Economy:Ford Motor Company has its world headquarters in Dearborn. In addition its Dearborn campus contains many research, testing, finance and some production facilities. Ford Land controls the numerous properties owned by Ford including sales and leasing to unrelated businesses such as the...
to learn about the requirements. In late October PEO Integration was established to oversee subsystems of BCT Modernization including the GCV. On 24 November, a second industry day was held in Warren, Michigan
Warren, Michigan
Warren is a city in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 census places the city's population at 134,056, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County, the third largest city in Michigan, and Metro Detroit's largest suburb....
.
After much delay, reviews necessary for continuation were held throughout February, in Washington D.C. The GCV review was officially passed on 25 February and a request for proposal (RfP) was issued the same day. It was revealed in the RfP that the GCV would be a cost-plus contract
Cost-plus contract
A cost-plus contract, also termed a Cost Reimbursement Contract, is a contract where a contractor is paid for all of its allowed expenses to a set limit plus additional payment to allow for a profit. Cost-reimbursement contracts contrast with fixed-price contract, in which the contractor is paid a...
. Companies had 60 days to respond, but this offer was extended an additional 25 days. In May, a "red team" was formed to curtail the GCVs 7-year development schedule. By the 21 May deadline, four proposals were submitted. On 1 July, management of the GCV was transferred from PEO Integration to PEO Ground Combat Systems with Andrew DiMarco as project manager
Project manager
A project manager is a professional in the field of project management. Project managers can have the responsibility of the planning, execution, and closing of any project, typically relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software...
.
For fiscal year 2011
2011 United States federal budget
The 2011 United States federal budget is the United States federal budget to fund government operations for the fiscal year 2011, which is October 2010–September 2011. The budget is the subject of a spending request by President Barack Obama...
, the U.S. Army intended to spend $934 million of the $2.5 billion allocated for BCT Modernization to develop the GCV. Reportedly, $100 million was removed from the yet to be approved budget but the budget continued to reported as $934 million.
On 25 August the army retracted its request for proposals after the red team assembled in May recommended that the army either upgrade the existing ground vehicle fleet or rewrite the requirements.
Projections
The Technology Development Phase (or Milestone A) was to begin with the award of up to three vehicle contracts awarded in late Fiscal Year 2010 under the Technology Development Phase Contract. A Preliminary Design Review would follow in mid FY 2012. The U.S. military planned to spend $7.6 billion during Milestone A.
The Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase (or Milestone B) was to begin with two prototype development contracts awarded in the beginning of Fiscal Year 2013 under the Engineering & Manufacturing Development Contract. Shortly thereafter, an Interim Critical Design Review would follow in Mid-FY 2013. After a nearly two-year manufacturing period the first prototypes would be manufactured Mid-FY 2015 after which a Critical Design Review and a Production Readiness Review would occur in FY 2015 and FY 2016 respectively.
The Low Rate Initial Production Phase (or Milestone C) was to begin with a low-rate production contract awarded in mid Fiscal Year 2016 under the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract. Less than two years after the contract award LRIP would begin. After more testing a battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
-sized team would be attained in FY 2018 followed by a brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
-sized arsenal in FY 2019.
If a Full-Rate Production Decision was attained, full-rate production would begin. The U.S. military planned on procuring 1,450 IFVs at a total program cost of $40 billion.
Competitors
There were four known competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.
- BAE SystemsBAE SystemsBAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
, Northrop GrummanNorthrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world as of 2010, and the largest builder of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman employs over...
, QinetiQQinetiQQinetiq is a British global defence technology company, formed from the greater part of the former UK government agency, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency , when it was split up in June 2001...
North America, and Saft Group were working jointly on development. The program was managed by Mark Signorelli. The team believed it could field the vehicle up to two years sooner than projected. Development cost were "tens of millions of dollars".
- Work breakdown
-
-
- BAE would provide general vehicle design, program management, integration of the vehicle components.
- Northrop Grumman would provide technology pertaining to command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
- QinetiQ North America would provide the electric drive propulsion system.
- Saft would provide the energy storage system.
-
- Features
-
-
- Tracked with an E-X-Drive hybrid-electric engine.
- Baseline weight of 53 tons with a weight tolerance of 75 tons for modular armor.
- Manned turret.
- Leveraged a V-hullV-hullThe V-hull is a type of vehicle armor design used on wheeled armored personnel carriers , infantry mobility vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles...
and Hard-Kill and Soft-Kill active protection systemActive protection systemAn active protection system is a system designed to prevent sensor-based weapons from acquiring and/or destroying a target....
s. - Wider and taller than a Bradley. All or most of the storage was internal accounting for the extra size.
-
- General Dynamics Land SystemsGeneral Dynamics Land SystemsIn February 1982 Chrysler announced the sale of Chrysler Defense, its profitable defense subsidiary to General Dynamics for US$348.5 million. The sale was completed in March 1982 for the revised figure of US$336.1 million. General Dynamics renamed the division General Dynamics Land Systems. In 2003...
, Lockheed MartinLockheed MartinLockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
, Detroit DieselDetroit DieselAs a corporation, Daimler Trucks North America has decided to rename the company "DETROIT".Detroit Diesel Corporation is an American-based diesel engine producer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, USA...
and RaytheonRaytheonRaytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
were working jointly on development.
- Work breakdown
-
-
- General Dynamics Land Systems led the team as systems integrator and was responsible for soldier interfaces and chassis.
- Lockheed would develop the turret and weaponry.
- MTU would develop the propulsion system.
- Raytheon would develop the active protection systemActive protection systemAn active protection system is a system designed to prevent sensor-based weapons from acquiring and/or destroying a target....
s, sensors.
-
- Features
-
-
- Used conventional diesel.
- Used active protection systems.
- Designers “paid a lot attention” to human accommodations.
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- SAIC led a consortium called Team Full Spectrum which included BoeingBoeingThe Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
, Krauss-MaffeiKrauss-MaffeiThe Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co KG or simply Krauss-Maffei is an injection molding machine manufacturer and defence company based in Munich, Germany...
and RheinmetallRheinmetallRheinmetall AG is a German automotive and defence company with factories in Düsseldorf, Kassel and Unterlüß. The company has a long tradition of making guns and artillery pieces...
. The SAIC consortium is using a derivative of the PumaPuma (IFV)The Puma is a German infantry fighting vehicle, the mass production has started on the 6th July 2009. It will replace the aging Marder IFVs, from 2010 through 2020. Governing company is PSM Projekt System Management, a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme. The Puma is...
.
- Work breakdown
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- SAIC would lead the team as project manager.
- Boeing would supply the weaponry.
- Both Krauss-Maffei and Rheinmetall's roles were unknown.
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- Features
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- Larger, reconfigured Puma chassis.
- Used conventional diesel and a six-road-wheel configuration.
- Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems (ADVS) submitted its wheeled proposal which was rejected for being non-compliant. A protest was filed by the company would have been assessed and ruled upon by September 27 . After cancellation of the RfP, ADVS withdrew its protest.
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- Work breakdown
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- ADVS led the team.
- Has undisclosed subcontractors.
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- Features
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- Wheeled.
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Revised program
In September, Alion Science and TechnologyAlion Science and Technology
Alion Science and Technology is an employee-owned technology solutions company delivering technical expertise and operational support to the United States Department of Defense, civilian government agencies and commercial customers....
was awarded a $23,828,000 contract modification for the development of systems supporting GCV development. This contract was tendered by the U.S. Air Force and $2,180,000 in funds was obligated at the time of the award. An industry day was held 1 October in Dearborn, Michigan. The Army reduced its requested FY 2011 budget to $462 million. Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and BAE Systems announced their intention of re-competing soon after the cancellation. A revised RfP was to be issued around 27 October 2010. Military officials met on 20 October to discuss delaying the RfP to allow leaders time to deliberate about requirements. The panel recommended releasing the RfP without delay but George Casey said he would need time to commit to a decision. Senior leaders at the meeting felt that the 27 October target could be met. The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform is a Presidential Commission created in 2010 by President Barack Obama to identify "…policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run."...
suggested deferring development of the GCV until after 2015.
The revised RfP was issued on 30 November. ADVS announced its decision to not submit a proposal. ADVS decision not to compete was stated to be that the vehicle's slow procurement timeline was not suited to "ADVS’ rapid development and fielding capabilities".
Up to three cost-plus contract
Cost-plus contract
A cost-plus contract, also termed a Cost Reimbursement Contract, is a contract where a contractor is paid for all of its allowed expenses to a set limit plus additional payment to allow for a profit. Cost-reimbursement contracts contrast with fixed-price contract, in which the contractor is paid a...
s were to be awarded nine months after the RfP was released. An acquisition decision memorandum on 17 August allowed the program to award technology development contracts. It also initiated two reviews of alternatives including a revised analysis of alternatives and an analysis of non-developmental vehicles. The 18 August, the Army awarded technology development contracts to only BAE and GDLS. BAE was awarded $450 million while GDLS was awarded $440 million. SAIC followed up with a bid protest on 26 August further delaying GCV development. It believes the evaluations process was flawed and the evaluation took factors into consideration that were not stated in the request for proposal.
Projections
$884 million is requested by the U.S. Army to fund the GCV in FY 2012. The technology development phase will be a 24 months long, 3 months shorter than the previous plan. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase will be 48 months long. The Army plans on acquiring 1,874 GCV's.
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Competitors
There were three known competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.
- BAE SystemsBAE SystemsBAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
, Northrop GrummanNorthrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world as of 2010, and the largest builder of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman employs over...
, QinetiQQinetiQQinetiq is a British global defence technology company, formed from the greater part of the former UK government agency, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency , when it was split up in June 2001...
North America, Saft Group and iRobotIRobotiRobot Corporation is an American advanced technology company founded in 1990 and incorporated in Delaware in 2000, the iRobot Corporation designs robots such as an autonomous home vacuum cleaner , the Scooba that scrubs and cleans hard floors, and military and police robots, such as the PackBot...
are working jointly on development.
- Work breakdown
- Features
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- Hybrid-electric drive
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- General Dynamics Land SystemsGeneral Dynamics Land SystemsIn February 1982 Chrysler announced the sale of Chrysler Defense, its profitable defense subsidiary to General Dynamics for US$348.5 million. The sale was completed in March 1982 for the revised figure of US$336.1 million. General Dynamics renamed the division General Dynamics Land Systems. In 2003...
leads a team that includes Lockheed MartinLockheed MartinLockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
and RaytheonRaytheonRaytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
- Work breakdown
- Features
- SAIC leads a team that includes BoeingBoeingThe Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Defence
- Work breakdown
- Features
DARPA
The TACOM project spawned a parallel program by DARPA called Fast Adaptable Next-Generation (FANG) GCV. The contest utilizes crowdsourcingCrowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing is the act of sourcing tasks traditionally performed by specific individuals to a group of people or community through an open call....
to engineer several IFVs.
The program will occur in three phases. The Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge lasts nine months and begins in mid-2012. A prize of $.5-1 million for winning design or designs will be awarded. The Chassis/Integrated Survivability Challenge lasts nine months and begins in the beginning of 2013 concurrent to the Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge. A prize of $.5-1 million for winning design or designs will be awarded. The Total Platform Challenge lasts 15 months and begins in late 2013. A prototype would be completed and this could potentially compete with TACOM's GCV. The vehicle's design itself would be open source
Open source
The term open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials. Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology...
.
See also
Vehicles- Marine Personnel CarrierMarine Personnel CarrierThe Marine Personnel Carrier is a wheeled armored personnel carrier under development for acquisition by the United States Marine Corps.-Role:...
- planned wheeled U.S. Marine Corps troop carrier - Expeditionary Fighting VehicleExpeditionary Fighting VehicleThe Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is an amphibious assault vehicle that was being developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. It is launched at sea, from an amphibious assault ship beyond the horizon, able to transport a full Marine rifle squad to shore...
- cancelled tracked U.S. Marine Corps troop carrier - M1126 Infantry Carrier VehicleM1126 Infantry Carrier VehicleThe M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle is an armoured personnel carrier and part of the Stryker family of vehicles , used by the United States Army.-General:...
- interim wheeled U.S. Army troop carrier - XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle - canceled tracked U.S. Army troop carrier
- SPz PumaPuma (IFV)The Puma is a German infantry fighting vehicle, the mass production has started on the 6th July 2009. It will replace the aging Marder IFVs, from 2010 through 2020. Governing company is PSM Projekt System Management, a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme. The Puma is...
- the new Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the German ArmyGerman ArmyThe German Army is the land component of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following the disbanding of the Wehrmacht after World War II, it was re-established in 1955 as the Bundesheer, part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr along with the Navy and the Air Force... - GTK Boxer - wheeled German Army troop carrier
- Joint Light Tactical VehicleJoint Light Tactical VehicleThe Joint Light Tactical Vehicle is a U.S. Army, USSOCOM, and U.S. Marine Corps program to replace the current Humvee with a family of more survivable vehicles and greater payload...
- planned wheeled U.S. Military family of light vehicles - Bionix AFVBionix AFVThe Bionix is a family of tracked Singaporean armoured fighting vehicles developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics . Intended to augment the Singapore Army's aging M113 armoured personnel carriers, it is the first indigenous armoured vehicle to be developed in Southeast Asia...
- tracked Singapore Army troop carrier - K21 - tracked South Korean Army troop carrier
- Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'InfanterieVéhicule Blindé de Combat d'InfanterieThe Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie is a French Infantry fighting vehicle designed to replace the AMX-10P. They joined active service in 2008, with 630 vehicles ordered up to 2010...
- wheeled French ArmyFrench ArmyThe French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
troop carrier - AndersAnders (tank)The WPB Anders is a family of medium, tracked combat vehicles. The vehicle is designed by OBRUM part of the Bumar Group...
- Polish Multitask Fighting Platform - Namer (vehicle)Namer (vehicle)Namer and "Merkava") is an Israeli armored personnel carrier based on an Israeli Merkava tank chassis. Namer was developed by and is being assembled by the Israeli Ordnance Corps...
- Israel Defense ForcesIsrael Defense ForcesThe Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
, Heavyweight Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Legislation
- Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform ActWeapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act was an Act of Congress passed in 2009 that was created to reform the way the Pentagon contracts and purchases major weapons systems...