Over the years, many programs and projects have been developed by the United States Army. One of these was the Future Combat Systems (FCS). The multi-billion-dollar program was designed to replace the M-1 Abrams main combat tank and M-2 Bradley infantry fighter vehicle. Additionally, the FCS program envisaged creating new brigades with new unmanned and manned vehicles. The program would also include a network information systems. The network would allow soldiers to connect to other systems, exchange data, and provide situational awareness.
The FCS was a large research and development program. It was created to counter the rapid-developing, high-tech threats facing 21st-century society. It comprised eight manned ground units and a variety of technologies that would allow Soldiers to execute military missions more efficiently. Unmanned aerial vehicles were also part of the program, as was a network with sensors and a range of next-generation weapons. Some FCS prototypes have already been tested by contractors. 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, also known as the Ground Combat Vehicle, is an armed light-assault vehicle that can be remotely controlled. It will be able to carry up to 8,000 lbs of cargo. The vehicle will also be able to deploy a 120-mm weapon. It will also be able to parasail into position. It will also be capable of being deployed in a minesweeping configuration.
The MCS (Manned Combat System) is the most important part of FCS. This vehicle can transport by C-130 aircraft and can fire a 120-mm caliber cannon that can shoot tank rounds. It can be controlled remotely and has a comparable rate of survival. It will be able to carry a 40mm firearm. It will also be a slave unit following a controlled vehicle. It can be parasailed into place, which allows it to be used against an enemy unit.
The program would also contain unmanned vehicles, such unattended ground sensor and Non-Line of Sight Launch System. These systems would be able to detect chemical and biological materials, as well as spot targets for other units. They could be switched on or off to allow friendly soldiers to move through the area, as well as to serve as guards.
The FCS program was a major undertaking and presented many challenges. Many problems were encountered in contracting and acquisition. It was also difficult to understand. This program was high-risk because its technology was so advanced. The program was expected cost to be $340 billion.
In 2007, Pentagon announced plans to trim $236million from the FCS 2007 - 2011 budget. The Army had been planning to deploy an experimental unit to test the FCS technologies in 2008. The Army also had plans to deploy an early-infantry brigade combat unit that would be deployed by 2012. This unit would field all 18 FCS systems by 2014. The unit would be operational in 2012.
Project Convergence is a joint Army/Boeing project that will develop a range of robot units to aid the Army in combat. These units will be capable of moving around the battlefield, dispersing troops and aiding in the organization of the battle.