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Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS Manned Ground Vehicles
US Army: issued Sept. 29, 2006

The NLOS Cannon Firing Platform, which features a 38-caliber, fully automated 155-mm howitzer, will be used to develop prototypes for the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. (BAE Systems photo)WASHINGTON --- The Army today took delivery of the firing platform for a new cannon artillery system that will reduce battlefield risk to Soldiers, while meeting an essential Army modernization requirement.

The firing platform was unveiled at BAE Systems’ Land and Armaments division in Minneapolis and will be transferred this month to Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona for field testing. The firing platform is part of the Army’s new Future Combat Systems Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon artillery system.

“The Army’s future force is fast becoming a reality today,� said Maj. Gen. Charles Cartwright, Future Combat Systems program manager. “This latest piece of hardware is tangible proof that FCS technologies are maturing on schedule, in accordance with Army plans and expectations. The true beneficiaries of these new capabilities will be our Soldiers.�

Future Combat Systems is the Army’s primary modernization program, and is the Army’s first major modernization in almost four decades. Future Combat Systems will provide Soldiers with near real-time situational awareness by using an advanced electronic network to integrate 18 new manned and unmanned air and ground systems. Future Combat Systems will increase the ability of Soldiers to handle the variety of missions they face every day, provide greater protection, and increase combat capabilities throughout the operational force.

Soldiers are already testing and fielding components of Future Combat Systems right now in Iraq and Afghanistan; and next year, Soldiers of the Evaluation Brigade Combat Team will begin testing FCS technologies and tactics at Fort Bliss, Texas. The plan calls for 15 Brigade Combat Teams with the full suite of Future Combat Systems; and all other Brigade Combat Teams having some Future Combat Systems capabilities.

The Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon will give the Army a key capability that it currently lacks: a cannon artillery system that is fully automated, highly mobile, and capable of launching multiple rounds precisely on target simultaneously. Moreover, unlike the Army’s current artillery systems, the Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon will be fully integrated into an advanced electronic network shared by Soldiers on the battlefield. This will make the Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon much more responsive to Soldier mission requirements.

The Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon also will help to minimize Soldier risk; because it will be much more mobile and deployable than the Army’s current-day artillery systems, which employ 1960s-era design technology. Reducing risk is a huge dividend of Future Combat Systems technology overall. Providing Soldiers with near real time situational awareness before they encounter potentially risky or deadly situations will save Soldiers lives. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle will identify for Soldiers if there’s a sniper in the next alleyway or cavern. An Unmanned Ground Vehicle will help to dispose of an IED or roadside bomb.

The firing platform unveiled today will lead to delivery of early Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon prototypes in 2008. The early prototype Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon is the first of eight Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles.

The Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles will have 75-80 percent commonality stemming from a common chassis and other common components. These common components include a lightweight band track and a hybrid-electric propulsion system, which maximizes power and fuel efficiency. The Manned Ground Vehicles will be at least as survivable as current Army vehicles and, in most likely operational scenarios, considerably more survivable and capable than anything now in the Army’s inventory.

The Army already has fired more than 2,000 rounds from the Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon System Demonstrator at Yuma. The firing platform unveiled today includes a cannon assembly that is 1,200 pounds lighter than the M777 cannon used on the Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon Concept Technology Demonstrator.

“Technological advances are enabling our Army to achieve greater capabilities with less mass and weight,� Cartwright said. “Future Combat Systems is about making our Army more agile and more strategically deployable, while increasing lethality, survivability and tactical mobility. The Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon is an integral part of our Army modernization efforts.� (ends)


BAE Systems Unveils NLOS Cannon Firing Platform; Event Marks Key Milestone for Future Combat Systems Program
BAE Systems: issued Sept. 29, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS --- BAE Systems today unveiled the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Cannon Firing Platform.

The NLOS Cannon is the lead Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) of the Boeing/Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) led FCS Program. FCS, the U.S. Army's foremost modernization program, is an integrated family of air systems and both manned and unmanned ground systems connected by a robust network that is the U.S. Army's foremost modernization program. The 155-mm Firing Platform is the first step toward development of NLOS Cannon prototypes scheduled to begin testing in 2008.

"This is a significant event for the American soldier," said LTC Robert G. McVay. "The successful integration of this Firing Platform is a demonstration that the NLOS Cannon and the FCS MGV family are quickly becoming a reality."

The NLOS Cannon Firing Platform, which features a 38-caliber length, fully automated 155-mm howitzer, was developed at BAE Systems' Minneapolis System Integration Facility and will soon be shipped to Army test facilities, where it will begin qualification of its ultra-lightweight cannon and breech. The Firing Platform will undergo testing through 2008. Test data from these tests will support obtaining a safety release, which will allow soldiers to begin testing the NLOS Cannon prototypes.

"Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have proved the critical importance of cannon artillery in defeating both conventional and insurgent-type threats," said Jim Unterseher, BAE Systems director of Army Programs. "The push-button firepower of the NLOS Cannon will give soldiers an even more lethal, flexible and responsive fire support option for ensuring mission success in a range of combat scenarios."

The Firing Platform's howitzer is integrated with a fully automated ammunition handling system. The platform, made of a combination of high-strength steel and aluminum, incorporates a cannon assembly that is 1,200 pounds lighter than the M777 cannon used on the NLOS Cannon Concept Technology Demonstrator previously developed and tested by BAE Systems.

The cannon assembly is integrated onto a lightweight surrogate chassis that provides performance similar to the full prototype vehicle chassis. The NLOS Cannon prototypes will incorporate lightweight band track, a two person crew station and a hybrid-electric propulsion system that maximizes power and fuel efficiency.

Much of the advanced technology being developed for the NLOS Cannon is being incorporated into the design and development of other vehicles in the MGV family, such as the NLOS Mortar. The NLOS Mortar is being designed by BAE Systems to have an estimated 80 percent commonality with the NLOS Cannon chassis and mission equipment to reduce maintenance and logistics. A NLOS Mortar Firing Platform is expected to be delivered for testing and qualification in spring 2007.

The FCS will improve the strategic deployability and operational maneuver capability of ground combat formations without sacrificing lethality or survivability. The Boeing Company is partnered with SAIC as the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the program, with support from a vast network of "One Team" subcontractors and suppliers including BAE Systems.


Unveiling of Non-Line-of-Sight-Cannon Firing Platform Marks Major Step For Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicle Fleet Development
Boeing Co.: issued Sept. 29, 2006

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company and partner Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), as the Lead Systems Integrator for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, today celebrated the unveiling of the FCS Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) firing platform. The event, held at BAE Systems' Land and Armaments division in Minneapolis, is a significant step toward development of FCS NLOS-C early prototypes scheduled to begin testing in 2008 and the full family of FCS Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs) in 2010.

"Today's unveiling is testament to the FCS best-of-industry approach and to the tremendous effort by the entire FCS manned ground vehicle team," said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing vice president-general manager of Combat Systems and FCS program manager. "It represents another visible sign that FCS technologies are maturing on schedule, and that hardware and software development is on track as the program transitions into the design, build and test phase. The advanced technologies being developed on the NLOS-C firing platform and subsequent prototypes are paving the way for the entire family of FCS manned ground vehicles."

The NLOS-C firing platform, developed and integrated by BAE Systems' Land and Armaments division at its Minneapolis Systems Integration facility, comprises a sprung chassis and functional mission module, and features a 38-caliber length, fully automated 155-mm howitzer. It will soon be shipped to Army facilities where it will undergo testing through 2008 to provide early safety release and qualification of the ultra-lightweight cannon and breech. The NLOS-C will provide a networked, extended range precision attack capability against point and area targets in support of FCS Brigade Combat Teams.

Together with the Army and LSI, BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems are developing the NLOS-C as the first vehicle in the FCS program's fleet of eight variants of manned ground vehicles. These vehicles will maximize the use of common chassis, parts and sub-systems. They will feature a two-person crew station, lightweight band track, and a hybrid-electric propulsion system that maximizes power and fuel efficiency. Overall, FCS manned ground vehicles will require 10-30% less fuel and far fewer mechanics than current manned ground vehicles.

The eight MGV variants, including the NLOS-C, are among the 18 networked systems that together will constitute FCS, the U.S. Army's foremost modernization program. Currently in the System Development and Demonstration phase, FCS is being accelerated to meet near-term needs of the current force while equipping future warfighters with advanced capabilities to meet emerging threats. FCS will improve the strategic deployability and operational maneuver capability of ground combat formations without sacrificing lethality or survivability.

Niel, was there a cost listed with these, per system? I have a feeling it will be a long time before these are fielded. Since funds are being cut left and right here at Ft Hood, ie: soldiers are cutting acres of grass with push mowers because funds were cut for the civilians with tractors and gang mowers. I can hardly schedule training for my troops around "area beautification" (what they call cutting grass in the units area) because my guys have to cut grass Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday's from 9 Oct-28 Oct. Yet they want to field a new system, when they cant even get parts to maintain properly the older and proven systems. OK, I vented, it was a crappy day as usual here and I had to just say that. I'll be quite now.

Keep in mind those funds you are talking about come out of different pools (ie different "colors of money."). Training, base support, etc that all comes out of Operations & Maintenance (O&M). Despite the supplementals, O&M funding is under pressure due to the war in Iraq. FCS and other programs come out of R&D and eventually procurement funding.

Neil

Hi Jeff! Hi Folks!

- SFC_Jeff_Button

I have a feeling it will be a long time before these are fielded.

It will take some time, that Firing Platfrom is only a developement item. The item that may get fielded will be based on that carrier. As I understand it, the NLOS vehicle is being pushed (more money) so it can replace the cancelled Cruasder program.

Here at Ft. Bliss where the first FCS Brigade is scheduled to stand up next year the word going around is there are no funds. Funds needed to repair enough Abrams and Bradleys for them to start testing the FCS command, control, and communtions equipment that the FCS vehicles will be using.

- SFC_Jeff_Button

OK, I vented, it was a crappy day as usual here and I had to just say that.

Sounds a lot like my days back when Jimmy Carter was Commander in Chief. He cut funding for DOD way back. Units I was in did a lot of "area beautification" missions and sweeping the dust off the motor pools because there was no funds for much of anything else. At the end of one FTX, we drained fuel out of dead lined vehicles so the few that were still running could conduct annual gunney training because the 3rd ACR had run out of training funds to buy fuel with.

Maintaining morale will be a problem, the challege will be finding ways to keep it up. Good Luck.
Sgt, Scouts Out!

- Roy_A_Lingle

Hi Jeff! Hi Folks!

Sounds a lot like my days back when Jimmy Carter was Commander in Chief. He cut funding for DOD way back. Units I was in did a lot of "area beautification" missions and sweeping the dust off the motor pools because there was no funds for much of anything else. At the end of one FTX, we drained fuel out of dead lined vehicles so the few that were still running could conduct annual gunney training because the 3rd ACR had run out of training funds to buy fuel with.

Maintaining morale will be a problem, the challege will be finding ways to keep it up. Good Luck.
Sgt, Scouts Out!

I remember those days Inflation running at 15%+ and he decided we would only get a 3% raise 'to set an example for the country' Some example my rent went up 15% the same day. At one point I was the only person below E-5 in my shop of 40+ people who was NOT getting foodstamps. The commander actually called me and my shop chief into his office to make sure I knew that they were available. He was launching into a spiel about how it wasn't charity when my shop chief interrupted. 'Sir Airman Smart is something of a special case. His wife has a masters degree in Special Ed and teaches full time'

And cold weather gear that was backordered so they couldn't issue long johns, field jacket liners, or gloves to us when we were working on the flightline. At one point we couldn't get steel toed shoes in most sizes. That almost cost me a big toe, luckily the tanker bar only grazed it and although I lost a nail it grew back. When they took me to the clinic that night the Dr wanted to write me up for not wearing proper safety equipment. I pulled the backorder slip out of my pocket and said 'No sir these are my safety shoes right here!.' He almost went ballistic.

Yea the Carter years and 'zero based budgeting' was no fun. I hope it doesn't get that bad again

Hi Folks!

Follow up to my post on when the FCS cannon system will be deployed.
Per the October issue of Army Magazine (just received today) page 378.

"Designed by BAE Systems, the NLOS-C is the lead manned ground vehicle of the Army's FCS program. The development schedule calls for the first NLOS-C Increment 0 prototypes to be delivered in 2008 for testing....."

I take that to mean, the NLOS-C will be the first manned vehicle out the factory doors.

On page 379 it reports the following: "The NLOS-C firing platform, an early test asset for the common misson equipment....."

The first step was the NLOS-C Concept Technology Demonstartor which fired 2,000 rounds at Yuma Proving Grounds.

The NLOS-C firing platform test asset is step two.

The Increment 0 prototypes, step three, may look something like the turreted drawings the Army has over at it's public web site.

www.army.mil

Something I think is a bit odd about the NLOS-C and the NLOS-M is the NLOS-C will have an auto loading cannon with a crew of two. The NLOS-M will have a semi-auto mortar with a crew of four.

Spot Report!
Sgt, Scouts out!

Note: NLOS-C = Non-Line of Sight - Cannon
NLOS-M = Non-Line of Sight - Mortar

Jimmy as the prez was only continuing the Hollow Force of the 70s, brought to us by the end of the Nixon [Mel Laird SecDef] term and the Ford [Rummie SecDef in v1.0]. Tanks on Okinawa in 1975 were rationed to 50 gal/mon of DF-2. Defense spending under Carter went up, especially in the second half. But anyway, the black hole that comes after this war is over will dwarf that one and it will be a real horror show.

I thought the pic was of the demonstrator, I sure would not like to take an unarmored gun into action! But the Ft Lewis people say they are going to be receiving their first deliveries soon, so something is being shipped to them.

Re: Fort Lewis, you're probably thinking of the Stryker MGS they have started receiving...

Neil

Hi Ken! Hi Folks!

- KenEstes

....the black hole that comes after this war is over will dwarf that one and it will be a real horror show.

I agree with that.

- KenEstes

I thought the pic was of the demonstrator, I sure would not like to take an unarmored gun into action!

I think 'demostrator' was the contracter name for that vehicle. The 'Cannon Firing Platform' is the Army's name for the SAME VEHICLE with some upgrades that were done after the test firing was completed and problems were i.d.ed

Per the October issue of Army magazine, the firing platform will be going to Yuma for testing. I guess the 2,000 rounds of test firing done last year was by the contactor. Now that the Army owns it, my guess is the Army will now do more testing. As for unarmored, the drawings show a turret covering the automatic workings of that modified M777 howitzer. The crew is only two men, positioned down in the lighty armored hull. My guess is that two men are not going to be able to operate that system if any of the auto loading equipment fails.

Sgt, Scouts Out!