Over the years, many programs and projects have been developed by the United States Army. The Future Combat Systems program (FCS), was one of them. This multi-billion dollar program aimed to replace the M-1 Abrams main battle tank and M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The FCS program also envisaged the creation of new brigades with unmanned and manned vehicles. The program would also involve a network of information systems. The network would allow soldiers and civilians to exchange information and to share situational awareness.
The FCS program was a major research and development project. It was intended to tackle the rapidly evolving high-tech challenges of the 21st century. It featured eight manned ground vehicle and a network technology that Soldiers could use for better military missions. Unmanned aerial vehicles were also part of the program, as was a network with sensors and a range of next-generation weapons. Contractors have already tried some FCS prototypes. These vehicles include the M777 howitzer and the M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
Although many FCS systems remain in development, the Army plans to develop a ground combat vehicle within the next few years. Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), an armoured light assault vehicle, can be controlled remotely and can carry 8,000 pounds of cargo. The vehicle will also be able to deploy a 120-mm weapon. It will also be capable of parasailing into position. It will also allow for deployment in a minesweeping position.
The MCS, or Manned Combat System, is the core of FCS. The vehicle can be transported using C-130 transport planes. It can fire a 120-mm gun that can fire tank rounds. Remote control is possible and it will have a similar survival rate. It can also carry a 40mm gun. After being controlled, it will be able to serve as a slave unit. It will be capable of being parasailed into position. This allows it to serve as a weapon against an opponent unit.
Program would also include unmanned vehicles such as ground sensors unattended and the Non-Line of Sight Launch System. These systems are capable of detecting biological and chemical material, as well spotting targets to be used by other units. They can also be used to guard the area or allow friendly troops to move in it.
The FCS program was a major undertaking and presented many challenges. There were many issues with acquisition and contracting. The program was also difficult to understand. This program was high-risk because its technology was so advanced. It was estimated that the program would cost $340 billion.
The Pentagon announced in 2007 that it would cut $236 Million from the FCS 2007-2011 budget. The Army had previously planned to deploy an experiment unit to test FCS technologies in 2008. The Army also intended to deploy an early infantry brigade combat team, which would deploy by 2012. This unit would eventually field all 18 FCS-systems by 2014. The unit would be deployed in 2012.
Project Convergence is another joint Army-Boeing effort to create a variety a robotic units that will aid the Army during combat. These units will be able to move around the battlefield, disperse troops, and assist in organizing the battle.