Over the years, the United States Army developed many programs and projects. One of those programs was Future Combat Systems (FCS). This multi-billion dollar program was intended to replace both the M-1 Abrams main battle tanks and M-2 Bradley infantry combat vehicles. FCS also proposed the creation new brigades equipped to transport new vehicles, both manned and unmanned. The program would also incorporate a network of information system. 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 included a series of eight manned ground vehicles and a network of technologies that would be used by Soldiers to carry out military missions more efficiently. It also included unmanned aerial vehicles, sensors, and next-generation weapons. Contractors have already tried some FCS prototypes. These vehicles include M777 self-propelled howitzer and 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. 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. The vehicle will be able parasail into place. It will also have the ability to deploy in a mine-sweeping configuration.
The MCS, or Manned Combat System, is the core of FCS. This vehicle is easily transportable by C-130 transport airplanes. It can fire a 120-mm grenade that can fire tank round rounds and can also be fired from a cannon. It is also capable of being remotely controlled, and will maintain a comparable survivability rate. It can also carry 40-mm weapons. It can also serve as a slave vehicle after being driven by a controlled vehicle. Parasailing it into position will allow it to be used to attack an enemy unit.
Program would also include unmanned vehicles such as ground sensors unattended and the Non-Line of Sight Launch System. These systems could detect biological and chemical materials as well as identify targets for other units. They can also be used to guard the area or allow friendly troops to move in it.
The FCS was a complex program that faced many challenges. The acquisition and contracting aspects of the program were difficult. It was also difficult for people to understand. Because of its advanced technologies, the program was considered high-risk. The program was projected to cost $340 Billion.
In 2007, Pentagon announced plans to trim $236million from the FCS 2007 - 2011 budget. In 2008, the Army planned to deploy an experimental unit for testing FCS technologies. The Army had also planned on deploying an experimental unit to test the FCS technologies in 2008. This unit would eventually 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.