The US Army has initiated a prototyping effort to develop a Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV). According to Defense News, the $700 million contract to build two prototypes was awarded to SAIC as the team lead, as well as Lockheed Martin, Moog Inc., GS Engineering, Inc., Hodges Transportation Inc. and Roush Industries. The prototypes are due September 30, 2022, with tentative testing scheduled for 2023.
The project is managed by the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). TARDEC and the industry team will help inform future Army ground combat vehicle decisions as well as accelerate future efforts in acquisition and reduce developmental costs.
With regards to squad-centric, mounted maneuver concept , the vehicles are to be designed to be operated with a two-person crew and six soldiers. The prototypes are also expected to have unmanned 50mm cannons, and the vehicles are supposed to have an advanced 1000hp powertrain and running gear. Among other features are modular APS controller and network, lighter weight advanced armor.
TARDEC’s plan is to design a “1.0” prototype and three to four years later bring in other technologies that are ready and aligned with the NGCV into a “2.0” prototype, with the goal to field an NCGV by 2035. 2022 will be a critical decision point for the Army on whether to move forward into a program of record for an NGCV or if it wants to continue to focus on upgrades to the current fleet of vehicles.
More details about the NGCV (source):
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