Throughout the years, the United States Army has developed a variety of programs and projects. The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program 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. It would also include a network for information systems. The network would allow soldiers and civilians to exchange information and to share situational awareness.
The FCS program was a significant research and development project. It was designed to address the rapidly-evolving high-tech threats in the 21st Century. 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. Contractors have already successfully tested some FCS models. These vehicles include the M777 howitzer and the M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
The Army plans to deploy a ground combat vehicle over the next few decades, despite the fact that many FCS system are still under development. Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), an armed light attack vehicle capable of carrying up to 8,000 pounds of cargo, will be remotely controlled. The vehicle can also carry a 120mm rifle. It will also be able to parasail into position. 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 can be transported by C-130 transport planes and can fire a 120-mm cannon that can fire tank rounds. It can be controlled remotely and has a comparable rate of survival. It can also carry 40-mm weapons. It can also serve as a slave vehicle after being driven by a controlled vehicle. It will be able to be parasailed into position, allowing it to be used as a weapon against an enemy unit.
The program would also include a variety of unmanned vehicles, including unattended ground sensors and the Non-Line of Sight Launch System. These systems can detect biological and chemical substances, and spot targets for other units. They could also be controlled to turn them on or off to allow friendly forces to move through an area or to be used for guarding.
The FCS was a complex program that faced many challenges. The program had many problems with contracting and acquisition. The program was difficult to comprehend. Because of its advanced technologies, the program was considered high-risk. It was estimated that the program would cost $340 billion.
In 2007, Pentagon announced plans to trim $236million from the FCS 2007 - 2011 budget. The Army had planned to deploy an experimental unit in 2008 to test the FCS technology. The Army also intended to deploy an early infantry brigade combat team, which would deploy by 2012. The unit would deploy all 18 FCS systems by 2014. It would be deployed in 2012.
Project Convergence will also be developed by the Army. This joint Army-Boeing program will create a variety of combat-ready robotic units. These units will be able to move around the battlefield, disperse troops, and assist in organizing the battle.