±Recent Visitors

Recent Visitors to Com-Central!

±User Info-big


Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: cgsimpson
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 6645

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