Just got word from the folks over at the Program Executive Office for Integration overseeing the remnants of the Army’s Future Combat Systems program that the suite of technologies now riding under the “Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team” banner passed a Defense Acquisition Board review, giving the Army the green light to produce a brigade-sized package of the wiz bang gadgets.
As you might remember, I traveled to White Sands last summer to check out the gear, including the unattended ground and urban sensors, the “flying half-keg” drone, SUG-V small unmanned ground vehicle and a mock up of the Non-Line of Sight Launch System.
I’m overall encouraged that the program is moving forward. Some of the systems, particularly the unattended ground sensors, need some more time in development, but show some initial promise. I can see how the Class 1 UAV might become a Soldier’s best friend, but more needs to be worked out on range and fuel payload. The ground bot was a bit less impressive to me — counter IED technology and the spiral of those offshoots mimic or surpass what the SUG-V can offer.
The NLOS-S is an intriguing system, offering portable, precision fires with multiple warhead options and high yield effects. Plopping those things down at FOBs and even COPs will keep forces a lot safer with more responsive fires when they need them in a pinch.
The review formally paved the way for production of one Brigade Combat Team set of equipment, which will be used in Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) in FY2011. Additionally, the Army plans continued testing of all Increment 1 assets over the next two years. The Army is also executing a plan to incrementally grow and demonstrate network maturity and system reliability in order to support continued production and fielding of future Brigades based upon successful testing and evaluation this year and next.
So kudos to the program team leading the EIBCT. I must say, the program folks I traveled with last summer could not have been more accomodating and helpful and the Soldiers testing the gear more honest in their candid assessments. If a huge program such as FCS is forced to disintigrate, let’s hope they’re all run with at least some of the same deftness as this one is so far.
– Christian
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
NLOS-S is revolutionary, a real winner from day one. That system should be slaved down to the squad level. Imagine a Joe with a Land Warrior monocle sighting and firing one of these things remotely and at will. SEE and DESTROY.
All that other stuff is hooey IMHO.
NLOS-S is flashy, but it's awfully short on rounds. What if you run out? How easy is it to reload? What if the insurgents land a mortar round on it? Do you lose all of your fire support? In FOB Keating, they lost their mortar when the pit got hit.
If these systems had been available at Wanat and nearby Camp Blessing last year, the casualties could have been far lighter. NLOS-LS missiles launched from 8 kms away at the Camp Blessing FOB could have struck in close proximity to the Wanat COP due to smaller blast radius and greater precision. Inbound artillery and bombs responded rapidly, but had to be more distant from friendlies (and attackers) due to danger close criteria. Wanat troops with lightweight laser designators could have lased sources of fire coming from the surrounding mountains for NLOS-LS engagement.
Class I UAS launched at "stand-to" could have been loitering overhead to identify insurgent massing (a villager the day before asked if they had UAS) and could have assisted NLOS-LS and 155mm targeting. Small unmanned ground vehicles and unattended ground sensors (UGS) placed around OP Topside may have provided early warning where the bulk of casualties occurred. Other Urban-UGS placed in the nearby police station, hotel, and bazaars may have identified potential hanky-panky. Such ground sensors for the OP and COP may have provided possible cueing for Claymore mines and diversion of the Class I UAS to investigate.
Any news on the definition of the Manned Combat Vehicle yet ? Will it be a hybrid like the FCS vehicles or a pure diesel like Stryker ?
Lets hope its hybrid, if the Army goes for pure diesel they going to be needing another vehicle replacement when all gas wells run dry in a couple years.. :)
I hope its diesel. Hybrids just add mor complication to an already complicated machine.
Oil wells wont be going dry for awhile. Besides you can make a diesel run off many types of oil. Besides there is alot of untapped resources here in the US alone.
BTW love the NLOS system, though its kind of a silly name.
Non. line of site………..what like most of our arty is?
BTW i really like this system and the NLOS cannon. Which i think needs to be a little better protected but other than that is nice. Can the missile package be used in a refitted stryker? Kinda like a mini MLRS.
Taliban is going to hate NLOS.
Before the troops just had to watch the talibs moving on mountainsides kilometers safely away. Now, they can strike them.
What can be seen can be hit….what can be hit can be killed.
These unmanned things are just that…things. To the unknowledgeable civilian this might seem 'cool' and worthwhile, but to in need of support frontline manuever troops flesh and blood will never be reliably replaced, so sorry but it's the truth. What we need are commanders without a political agenda, or have to worry what some politician will say to actual engagement in a fashion that gives the enemy pause to tthink of what we can doto them. Field commanders shouldn't have to ask permission from the dugout to throw the strikeout pitch. All this liberalist thinking is killing us, we should be changing their minds by ensuring the idea of that they fight they die, meet the virgins, if you will, then and only then will our forces have a chance.
NLOS-S..The "Hammer of the Gods"..hell yeah, like that 1 a whole lot..keep workin boys…