±Recent Visitors

Recent Visitors to Com-Central!

±User Info-big


Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: HighestAce
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 6648

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 836
Total: 836
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Community Forums
02: Community Forums
03: Photo Gallery
04: Home
05: Community Forums
06: Downloads
07: Community Forums
08: Community Forums
09: Community Forums
10: Member Screenshots
11: Community Forums
12: Member Screenshots
13: News Archive
14: News Archive
15: Your Account
16: Community Forums
17: Home
18: Home
19: Home
20: Home
21: Member Screenshots
22: Home
23: Photo Gallery
24: Community Forums
25: Community Forums
26: Photo Gallery
27: Community Forums
28: Photo Gallery
29: Community Forums
30: Community Forums
31: Statistics
32: Community Forums
33: Photo Gallery
34: Statistics
35: Statistics
36: Community Forums
37: Community Forums
38: Community Forums
39: Photo Gallery
40: Photo Gallery
41: Statistics
42: Home
43: Community Forums
44: Community Forums
45: Photo Gallery
46: Member Screenshots
47: Home
48: Community Forums
49: Downloads
50: Community Forums
51: Community Forums
52: Community Forums
53: Community Forums
54: Community Forums
55: Community Forums
56: Home
57: Home
58: Home
59: Community Forums
60: Community Forums
61: Downloads
62: Member Screenshots
63: Statistics
64: Community Forums
65: Community Forums
66: Community Forums
67: Community Forums
68: Community Forums
69: Home
70: Home
71: Community Forums
72: Community Forums
73: Home
74: News Archive
75: Member Screenshots
76: Community Forums
77: Member Screenshots
78: Community Forums
79: Community Forums
80: Community Forums
81: Community Forums
82: Your Account
83: Community Forums
84: Member Screenshots
85: Community Forums
86: Community Forums
87: Community Forums
88: Home
89: Home
90: Downloads
91: Statistics
92: Photo Gallery
93: Community Forums
94: Home
95: Community Forums
96: Photo Gallery
97: Photo Gallery
98: Your Account
99: Community Forums
100: Community Forums
101: Member Screenshots
102: Member Screenshots
103: Community Forums
104: Community Forums
105: Community Forums
106: Community Forums
107: Member Screenshots
108: Member Screenshots
109: Home
110: Community Forums
111: Community Forums
112: Community Forums
113: Community Forums
114: News Archive
115: Your Account
116: Community Forums
117: Photo Gallery
118: Downloads
119: Photo Gallery
120: Photo Gallery
121: News Archive
122: Member Screenshots
123: Community Forums
124: Photo Gallery
125: Community Forums
126: Community Forums
127: Home
128: Community Forums
129: Home
130: Community Forums
131: Community Forums
132: News Archive
133: Photo Gallery
134: News Archive
135: Member Screenshots
136: News Archive
137: Photo Gallery
138: Member Screenshots
139: Home
140: Photo Gallery
141: Statistics
142: Photo Gallery
143: Statistics
144: Home
145: Home
146: Photo Gallery
147: Downloads
148: Photo Gallery
149: Photo Gallery
150: Community Forums
151: Photo Gallery
152: Photo Gallery
153: News Archive
154: Home
155: Community Forums
156: Downloads
157: Member Screenshots
158: Home
159: Community Forums
160: Community Forums
161: Your Account
162: Community Forums
163: Community Forums
164: Community Forums
165: Member Screenshots
166: Community Forums
167: Community Forums
168: Community Forums
169: Community Forums
170: LinkToUs
171: Community Forums
172: Community Forums
173: Community Forums
174: Home
175: Community Forums
176: Photo Gallery
177: Downloads
178: Community Forums
179: Your Account
180: Community Forums
181: Community Forums
182: Home
183: Home
184: Community Forums
185: Photo Gallery
186: Photo Gallery
187: Community Forums
188: Home
189: Community Forums
190: Community Forums
191: Community Forums
192: Community Forums
193: Community Forums
194: Your Account
195: Community Forums
196: Community Forums
197: Community Forums
198: Community Forums
199: Community Forums
200: Community Forums
201: Home
202: Home
203: Community Forums
204: Community Forums
205: Community Forums
206: Downloads
207: Home
208: Photo Gallery
209: Community Forums
210: Community Forums
211: Statistics
212: Community Forums
213: Member Screenshots
214: Home
215: News Archive
216: Your Account
217: Community Forums
218: Community Forums
219: Community Forums
220: Community Forums
221: Downloads
222: Community Forums
223: Community Forums
224: Community Forums
225: Community Forums
226: News Archive
227: Statistics
228: Community Forums
229: Community Forums
230: Community Forums
231: Community Forums
232: Community Forums
233: Community Forums
234: Community Forums
235: Community Forums
236: Home
237: Community Forums
238: Member Screenshots
239: Community Forums
240: Member Screenshots
241: Downloads
242: Community Forums
243: Community Forums
244: Community Forums
245: Photo Gallery
246: Home
247: Downloads
248: Home
249: Community Forums
250: Community Forums
251: Photo Gallery
252: Community Forums
253: Community Forums
254: Statistics
255: Community Forums
256: Community Forums
257: Community Forums
258: Photo Gallery
259: Home
260: Community Forums
261: Community Forums
262: Community Forums
263: Community Forums
264: Home
265: Community Forums
266: Community Forums
267: Community Forums
268: Statistics
269: Community Forums
270: Community Forums
271: Home
272: Home
273: News Archive
274: Community Forums
275: Community Forums
276: Community Forums
277: Member Screenshots
278: Community Forums
279: Community Forums
280: Community Forums
281: Community Forums
282: Community Forums
283: Community Forums
284: Photo Gallery
285: Member Screenshots
286: Photo Gallery
287: Community Forums
288: Community Forums
289: Community Forums
290: Community Forums
291: Community Forums
292: Community Forums
293: Community Forums
294: Community Forums
295: Community Forums
296: Community Forums
297: Community Forums
298: Community Forums
299: Community Forums
300: Community Forums
301: Community Forums
302: Photo Gallery
303: Community Forums
304: News Archive
305: Home
306: Community Forums
307: Home
308: Member Screenshots
309: Community Forums
310: Community Forums
311: Community Forums
312: Downloads
313: Member Screenshots
314: Community Forums
315: Member Screenshots
316: Community Forums
317: Photo Gallery
318: Home
319: Community Forums
320: Community Forums
321: Photo Gallery
322: Downloads
323: Member Screenshots
324: Community Forums
325: Community Forums
326: Photo Gallery
327: Community Forums
328: Downloads
329: Community Forums
330: Community Forums
331: Member Screenshots
332: Community Forums
333: Community Forums
334: Downloads
335: Home
336: Community Forums
337: Member Screenshots
338: Photo Gallery
339: Community Forums
340: Community Forums
341: Community Forums
342: Community Forums
343: Photo Gallery
344: Community Forums
345: Home
346: Community Forums
347: Community Forums
348: Home
349: Photo Gallery
350: Community Forums
351: Community Forums
352: Community Forums
353: Community Forums
354: Community Forums
355: Home
356: Downloads
357: News Archive
358: Community Forums
359: Member Screenshots
360: Photo Gallery
361: Statistics
362: Home
363: Photo Gallery
364: Member Screenshots
365: Community Forums
366: Community Forums
367: Community Forums
368: Community Forums
369: Member Screenshots
370: Community Forums
371: Home
372: Member Screenshots
373: News Archive
374: Community Forums
375: Member Screenshots
376: News Archive
377: Member Screenshots
378: News Archive
379: Community Forums
380: Community Forums
381: Community Forums
382: Community Forums
383: Community Forums
384: Community Forums
385: Photo Gallery
386: Photo Gallery
387: Community Forums
388: Community Forums
389: Community Forums
390: Community Forums
391: Community Forums
392: Statistics
393: Photo Gallery
394: Photo Gallery
395: Community Forums
396: Member Screenshots
397: Photo Gallery
398: Home
399: Home
400: Home
401: Community Forums
402: Community Forums
403: Photo Gallery
404: Community Forums
405: Home
406: Community Forums
407: Community Forums
408: Member Screenshots
409: Photo Gallery
410: Photo Gallery
411: Home
412: Statistics
413: Community Forums
414: Photo Gallery
415: Home
416: Community Forums
417: Community Forums
418: Community Forums
419: Community Forums
420: Community Forums
421: Community Forums
422: Home
423: Community Forums
424: Home
425: Community Forums
426: Community Forums
427: Member Screenshots
428: Photo Gallery
429: Community Forums
430: Community Forums
431: Community Forums
432: Photo Gallery
433: Member Screenshots
434: Community Forums
435: Community Forums
436: Member Screenshots
437: Member Screenshots
438: Photo Gallery
439: Member Screenshots
440: Member Screenshots
441: Community Forums
442: Home
443: Community Forums
444: News
445: Community Forums
446: Photo Gallery
447: Community Forums
448: News Archive
449: News Archive
450: Community Forums
451: Community Forums
452: Home
453: Photo Gallery
454: Community Forums
455: Photo Gallery
456: Community Forums
457: News
458: Community Forums
459: Community Forums
460: Photo Gallery
461: Community Forums
462: Home
463: Community Forums
464: Community Forums
465: Community Forums
466: Home
467: Community Forums
468: Home
469: Community Forums
470: Home
471: Community Forums
472: Community Forums
473: News Archive
474: Home
475: Community Forums
476: Community Forums
477: Community Forums
478: Community Forums
479: Photo Gallery
480: News
481: Downloads
482: Home
483: Photo Gallery
484: Home
485: Community Forums
486: Community Forums
487: Community Forums
488: Community Forums
489: Community Forums
490: Community Forums
491: Photo Gallery
492: Home
493: Community Forums
494: Photo Gallery
495: Community Forums
496: Community Forums
497: Your Account
498: Community Forums
499: Statistics
500: Photo Gallery
501: Community Forums
502: Photo Gallery
503: Home
504: News Archive
505: Community Forums
506: Home
507: Community Forums
508: Community Forums
509: Community Forums
510: Community Forums
511: Downloads
512: Community Forums
513: Community Forums
514: Community Forums
515: Community Forums
516: Community Forums
517: Member Screenshots
518: Community Forums
519: Member Screenshots
520: Community Forums
521: Community Forums
522: Community Forums
523: Community Forums
524: Community Forums
525: Photo Gallery
526: Home
527: Community Forums
528: Your Account
529: Home
530: Statistics
531: Community Forums
532: Photo Gallery
533: Community Forums
534: Community Forums
535: Community Forums
536: Photo Gallery
537: Downloads
538: Member Screenshots
539: Downloads
540: Community Forums
541: Home
542: Photo Gallery
543: Photo Gallery
544: Community Forums
545: Community Forums
546: Home
547: Community Forums
548: Downloads
549: Community Forums
550: Community Forums
551: Community Forums
552: Home
553: Member Screenshots
554: Photo Gallery
555: Home
556: Photo Gallery
557: Member Screenshots
558: Community Forums
559: Downloads
560: Member Screenshots
561: Community Forums
562: Photo Gallery
563: Home
564: Statistics
565: Member Screenshots
566: Community Forums
567: Photo Gallery
568: Member Screenshots
569: Your Account
570: Photo Gallery
571: Community Forums
572: Statistics
573: Member Screenshots
574: Community Forums
575: Photo Gallery
576: Photo Gallery
577: Home
578: Community Forums
579: Community Forums
580: Photo Gallery
581: News Archive
582: Member Screenshots
583: Home
584: Community Forums
585: Community Forums
586: News
587: Member Screenshots
588: Community Forums
589: Community Forums
590: Member Screenshots
591: Community Forums
592: Member Screenshots
593: Member Screenshots
594: Photo Gallery
595: Community Forums
596: Home
597: Statistics
598: Member Screenshots
599: Home
600: Community Forums
601: Community Forums
602: Member Screenshots
603: Community Forums
604: Member Screenshots
605: Downloads
606: Community Forums
607: Home
608: Your Account
609: News
610: Community Forums
611: Home
612: Community Forums
613: Home
614: Community Forums
615: News
616: Photo Gallery
617: Member Screenshots
618: Community Forums
619: Home
620: Community Forums
621: Community Forums
622: Home
623: Photo Gallery
624: Photo Gallery
625: Photo Gallery
626: Community Forums
627: Community Forums
628: Home
629: Statistics
630: Community Forums
631: Member Screenshots
632: Community Forums
633: Community Forums
634: Community Forums
635: Community Forums
636: Home
637: Your Account
638: Statistics
639: Home
640: Member Screenshots
641: Community Forums
642: Downloads
643: Community Forums
644: Community Forums
645: Statistics
646: Community Forums
647: Community Forums
648: Community Forums
649: Downloads
650: Home
651: Community Forums
652: Home
653: Photo Gallery
654: Your Account
655: Community Forums
656: Community Forums
657: Community Forums
658: Home
659: Photo Gallery
660: News Archive
661: Member Screenshots
662: Home
663: Community Forums
664: Community Forums
665: Community Forums
666: Community Forums
667: Community Forums
668: Community Forums
669: Member Screenshots
670: Home
671: Community Forums
672: Community Forums
673: Community Forums
674: Your Account
675: Community Forums
676: Community Forums
677: Community Forums
678: Community Forums
679: Community Forums
680: Community Forums
681: News Archive
682: Community Forums
683: News Archive
684: Photo Gallery
685: Member Screenshots
686: Community Forums
687: Community Forums
688: Photo Gallery
689: Community Forums
690: Community Forums
691: Statistics
692: Community Forums
693: Statistics
694: Community Forums
695: Community Forums
696: Community Forums
697: Community Forums
698: Community Forums
699: Community Forums
700: Community Forums
701: Member Screenshots
702: Community Forums
703: Community Forums
704: Community Forums
705: Community Forums
706: Community Forums
707: Photo Gallery
708: Community Forums
709: Community Forums
710: Community Forums
711: Home
712: Home
713: Downloads
714: Photo Gallery
715: Home
716: Community Forums
717: Community Forums
718: Home
719: Photo Gallery
720: Member Screenshots
721: Statistics
722: Photo Gallery
723: Photo Gallery
724: Community Forums
725: Community Forums
726: Statistics
727: Community Forums
728: Downloads
729: Member Screenshots
730: Community Forums
731: Member Screenshots
732: Community Forums
733: Photo Gallery
734: Photo Gallery
735: Community Forums
736: Community Forums
737: Community Forums
738: News Archive
739: Community Forums
740: Community Forums
741: Member Screenshots
742: Community Forums
743: Home
744: Community Forums
745: Community Forums
746: Community Forums
747: Community Forums
748: Community Forums
749: Community Forums
750: Community Forums
751: News Archive
752: Community Forums
753: Statistics
754: Community Forums
755: Photo Gallery
756: Community Forums
757: Home
758: Community Forums
759: Community Forums
760: Community Forums
761: Community Forums
762: Home
763: Community Forums
764: Community Forums
765: Community Forums
766: News Archive
767: Community Forums
768: Community Forums
769: News Archive
770: Community Forums
771: Community Forums
772: Community Forums
773: Member Screenshots
774: Community Forums
775: Community Forums
776: Community Forums
777: Downloads
778: Community Forums
779: News Archive
780: Community Forums
781: Community Forums
782: Community Forums
783: Photo Gallery
784: Statistics
785: Community Forums
786: Member Screenshots
787: Community Forums
788: Member Screenshots
789: Community Forums
790: Photo Gallery
791: Photo Gallery
792: Your Account
793: Photo Gallery
794: Community Forums
795: News Archive
796: Home
797: Member Screenshots
798: Downloads
799: Home
800: Community Forums
801: Community Forums
802: Statistics
803: Community Forums
804: Community Forums
805: Community Forums
806: Home
807: Community Forums
808: Community Forums
809: Community Forums
810: Community Forums
811: Community Forums
812: News Archive
813: News Archive
814: Member Screenshots
815: Community Forums
816: Community Forums
817: Photo Gallery
818: Community Forums
819: Community Forums
820: Downloads
821: Community Forums
822: Community Forums
823: Community Forums
824: Community Forums
825: Community Forums
826: Downloads
827: Photo Gallery
828: Community Forums
829: News
830: Member Screenshots
831: Photo Gallery
832: Community Forums
833: Community Forums
834: Home
835: Community Forums
836: Community Forums

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs
The AFV ASSOCIATION was formed in 1964 to support the thoughts and research of all those interested in Armored Fighting Vehicles and related topics, such as AFV drawings. The emphasis has always been on sharing information and communicating with other members of similar interests; e.g. German armor, Japanese AFVs, or whatever.
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page     Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Neil_Baumgardner
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 3942
Location: Arlington, VA
PostPosted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:30 pm
Post subject: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs



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.
Back to top
View user's profile
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:54 am
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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.

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Neil_Baumgardner
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 3942
Location: Arlington, VA
PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:16 am
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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
Back to top
View user's profile
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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!

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
bsmart
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 2523
Location: Central Maryland
PostPosted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:33 pm
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

- 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 Mad 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

_________________
Bob Smart ([email protected])
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 1:32 am
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MG

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! Smile

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

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
KenEstes
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Feb 07, 2006
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 1:57 pm
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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.
Back to top
View user's profile
Neil_Baumgardner
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 3942
Location: Arlington, VA
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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

Neil
Back to top
View user's profile
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 3:37 pm
Post subject: Re: Army Takes Delivery of Cannon Firing Platform for FCS MGVs

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!

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT - 6 Hours



Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum