Over the years, the United States Army developed many programs and projects. The Future Combat Systems program (FCS), was one of them. This multi-billion pound program was created to replace the M-1 Abrams main battlefield tank and M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The FCS program also envisaged the creation of new brigades with unmanned and manned vehicles. It would also include a network for information systems. The network would allow soldiers access to other systems and exchange data. It also provides situational awareness.
The FCS project was a huge research and development effort. Its purpose was to meet the fast-developing high-tech threats of the 21st century. It featured eight manned ground vehicle and a network technology that Soldiers could use for better military missions. There were several unmanned aircraft vehicles, a network sensors, and a number of next-generation weapon designs included in the program. Contractors have already conducted tests on some FCS prototypes. These vehicles include the M777 howitzer and the M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
While there are many FCS systems still in development the Army intends to field a Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) in the coming years. The Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) will be an armed light assault vehicle that can be remotely controlled and will be capable of carrying 8,000 pounds of cargo. It will be capable of deploying a 120mm weapon. The vehicle will be able parasail into place. It can also be used in a minesweeping configuration.
The MCS (Manned Combat System) is the most important part of FCS. The vehicle can be transported using C-130 transport planes. It can fire a 120-mm gun that can fire tank rounds. It can also be remotely controlled and will retain a comparable survival rate. It can also carry 40-mm weapons. It can also be used as an infantry unit after it has been controlled. It can be parasailed into place, which allows it to be used against an enemy 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 would also be able to be switched on and off to allow friendly troops to move through the area, or to be used as guards.
The FCS Program was a large undertaking with many difficulties. The acquisition and contracting aspects of the program were difficult. The program was also difficult to understand. This program was high-risk because its technology was so advanced. The program was projected to cost $340 Billion.
In 2007, the Pentagon announced plans to 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 have all 18 FCS units by 2014. The unit would be deployed by 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 move around battlefields, disperse and organize troops, and they can even help with battle planning.