Contamination Avoidance€¦ · ders with nuclear radiation detection equipment, allowing them to fight effec-tively and survive on the nuclear battle-field. It also minimizes nuclear

NUCLEAR-BIOLOGICAL-CHEMICAL(NBC) DEFENSE SYSTEMS

A wide range of items and systems pro-vide today’s warfighter with contamina-tion avoidance, protection, decontamina-tion and obscuration capabilities. Severalrepresentative examples are provided be-low.

Contamination AvoidanceThe United States has fielded several

types of nuclear detection and monitoringsystems to assist in contamination avoid-ance. A family of radioactivity detectionindication and computation (Radiac)equipment is being fielded to U.S. forces toupgrade 30-year-old technology with digi-tal equipment that incorporates advancesin modern electronics.

Radiac provides soldiers and comman-ders with nuclear radiation detectionequipment, allowing them to fight effec-tively and survive on the nuclear battle-field. It also minimizes nuclear radiationexposure of troops during such peacetimemissions as peacekeeping, nuclear-acci-dent response and recovery of vehiclesand equipment containing radioactive ma-terial.

The AN/UDR-13 Radiac Set is a com-pact, handheld, pocket-size tactical radia-tion meter. It measures and displays

gamma dose rate and total gamma/neu-tron cumulative dose in a battlefield envi-ronment.

A push-button pad enables mode selec-tion, functional control and the setting ofaudio and visual alarm thresholds for bothdose rate and mission dose. A “sleep”mode with automatic wake-up enhancesbattery life. A liquid crystal display pro-vides data readout and warning-modemessages. As a replacement for the olderIM-93/PP-1578, UDR-13 improvements in-clude prompt dose measurement, includ-ing neutrons, alarms and measures rate,backlit display and stable readings andcalibration. It does not need a separatecharger.

The AN/VDR-2 Radiac Set detects andmeasures nuclear radiation from falloutand radioisotopes. The system replaces theolder IM-174 and AN/PDR-27. It performsground radiological surveys from vehiclesor, in the dismounted mode, as a handheldinstrument. The set can also provide a quan -titative measure of radiation to help per-sonnel, equipment and supply decontami-nation operations.

Components of the Radiac set includethe Radiac meter IM-243, probe DT-616and a pouch with strap. Kits are availableas common table of allowances items forinstallation of the Radiac set in variousmilitary vehicles.

The set includes an audible and/or vi-sual alarm that is compatible with vehicu-lar nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) pro-tective systems in armored vehicles, and italso interfaces with vehicular power sys-tems and intercoms.

The AN/PDR-75 Radiac Set measuresthe prompt and residual gamma doses andneutron doses stored on the DT-236 indi-vidual dosimeter from 1 to 1,000 centigray(cGy). The system provides a new opera-tional capability to monitor and record thetotal dose exposure of individual person-nel to gamma and neutron radiation. Itmeasures total neutron and gamma dosesfrom 0 to 1,000 cGy, and it responds to andmeasures prompt radiation from nuclearbursts. It will be used to calculate unit ra-diation status and to perform medicaltriage and assist in unit reconstitution.

The AN/PDR-77 Radiac Set detects andmeasures alpha, beta, gamma and X-rayradiation. The system replaces the olderAN/PDR-56F and AN/PDR-60, which re-lied on aging technology and were notsensitive enough to accomplish the Army’salpha detection mission.

The AN/PDR-77 incorporates commer-cially available measurement electronics,an alpha probe, beta gamma probe and X-ray probe. The set has a digital liquid crys-tal display, is auto-ranging and has set-table audio and/or visual alarm thresh olds.

October 2006 � ARMY 361

This is the primary Radiac device to sup-port the storage and movement of nuclearweapons, respond to nuclear accidentsand maintain Army equipment containingradioactive materials.

Chemical DetectionThe M21 Automatic Chemical Agent

Alarm is the first standoff chemical agentdetector approved for fielding to the sol-dier. It gives early warning of blister andnerve agents up to five kilometers, thus al-lowing field commanders to identify andmaneuver around contaminated areas. Anautomatic scanning, passive infrared sen-

sor, it detects agent vapor clouds bychanges that the vapor causes in the back-ground infrared spectra. Scanning a 60-de-gree arc, the M21 sounds a horn and illu-minates either a blister or nerve light. It iscurrently being fielded. In addition to tri-pod-mounted configurations, the M21 ismounted on a mast on the M93A1 FoxNBC reconnaissance system.

The M22 Chemical Agent Alarm is anoff-the-shelf alarm system capable of de-tecting and identifying standard blisterand nerve agents. The M22 used the for-eign comparative testing program fordown-selection of the United Kingdom’sGID-3. The M22 system is manportable,operates independently after system start-up, and provides an audible and visualalarm.

The M22 system also provides a com-munications interface for automatic battle-field warning and reporting. The M22 is animprovement over the M8A1 automaticchemical agent alarm system in four majorareas: it provides simultaneous detectionand warning of nerve and blister agents; itis significantly more sensitive than the

M8A1; it can operate in a collective protec-tion environment; and it is much less re-sponsive to interference, thus reducingfalse alarms. The M22 is currently fieldedto the Army, Navy, Air Force and MarineCorps.

The Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM)and the Improved CAM (ICAM) providea means of quickly locating the presence orabsence of nerve- and mustard-agent cont-amination on personnel and equipment.

CAM is a handheld device used bytroops in full protective clothing after anattack or exposure to a contaminated area.It provides fast low-level detection of

nerve and mustard vapors, differentiatesbetween nerve and mustard agents, pro-vides an indication of the relative magni-tude of the hazard present and is not af-fected by most common forms of battle-field interference.

The use of the CAM on a chemical bat-tlefield lowers the risk commanders mayhave to take when reducing the level ofmission-oriented protection posture in acombat situation. CAM gives commandersthe ability to quickly monitor for contami-nation, thereby allowing soldiers andequipment to remain engaged in theircombat missions. CAM is also used tocheck the effectiveness of decontaminationoperations.

Like CAM, ICAM is a handheld, soldier-operated, post-attack device for monitor-ing chemical agent contamination. It de-tects chemical agent vapors by sensingmolecular ions of specific motilities (timeof flight), and uses timing and micro-processor techniques to reject interference.The monitor detects and discriminatesamong nerve and mustard agent vapors.ICAM consists of a drift tube, signal

processor, molecular sieve, membrane,confidence tester, dust filters, buzzer andbattery pack. The monitor measures fourinches x seven inches x 15 inches andweighs approximately five pounds. ICAMdiffers from CAM in its greater reliability(an estimated 300 percent improvement),faster start-up time (one-tenth of the time)and significantly reduced maintenancecosts (an estimated $135 million cost sav-ings over the life of the system).

The Joint Service Lightweight StandoffChemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD) is anew detection system designed to provideAmerican 21st-century warfighters withstate-of-the-art capability in detectingnerve, blister and blood agent vaporclouds. JSLSCAD is a fully automatic de-tection system that searches the surround-ing atmosphere for chemical agent vaporclouds. It is the first chemical detectionsystem to furnish 360-degree on-the-movecoverage from ground-, air- and sea-basedplatforms at distances of up to five kilome-ters. JSLSCAD will provide warfighters ofthe four armed services with early warn-ing to avoid contaminated battlespaces or,if avoidance is not possible, time to donprotective masks and clothing.

JSLSCAD is a passive infrared (IR) sys-tem that detects the presence of chemicalagent vapors by processing energy col-lected in the 8- to 12-micron region of theelectromagnetic spectrum. It compares thecollected IR spectra against a library ofknown agent spectra. When detection ismade, JSLSCAD identifies the agent cloudand alerts the warfighter with audible andvisual alarms.

Intended JSLSCAD applications includevarious ground vehicle, aerial, shipboardand fixed-emplacement platforms, includ-ing the following: M93A1 Fox vehicle;joint service light NBC reconnaissance sys-tem (JSLNBCRS); interim armored vehicleNBC reconnaissance system; Humvee; C-130 aircraft; CH-53 helicopter; unmannedaerial vehicles; ships; and fixed-site instal-lations. The design of the JSLSCAD pro-vides for communication with the NBCjoint warning and reporting network(JWARN) and the multipurpose integratedchemical agent detector (MICAD).

Biological DetectionThe M31/M31A1 Biological Integrated

Detection System (BIDS) mitigates the ef-fects of biological warfare attacks duringall phases of a campaign. As a corps-levelasset, it is employed by a dedicated biolog-ical defense company to detect large-areabiological attacks. The BIDS network pro-vides the basis for warning and confirm-ing that a biological attack has occurred.The system provides presumptive identifi-cation and produces a safety-configuredsample for later laboratory analysis.

The M31/M31A1 detection system is made

362 ARMY � October 2006

M21 automatic chemical agent alarm Chemical agent monitor

up of a shelter (S788 lightweight multipur-pose shelter) mounted on a dedicated vehicle (M1097 heavy Humvee) andequipped with a biological detection suite.The systems include a trailer-mounted 15-kilowatt generator (PU-801) to provideelectrical power, a global positioning sys-tem (GPS) receiver (AN/PSN-11 PLGR),tactical and long-range communicationsequipment (SINCGARS and Harris HF ra-dios) and a meteorological sensor.

The BIDS program development wasinitiated following the Persian Gulf War.To fill the urgent need for a biological de-tection system while at the same timefielding mature technologies, an evolu-tionary acquisition strategy was devel-oped. Initially a nondevelopmental item(NDI), BIDS (M31), consisting primarily ofoff-the-shelf instrumentation, provided alimited manual detection and identifica-tion capability. This was followed by a pre-planned product improvement (P3I) BIDS(M31A1) with an expanded and semiauto-mated detection and identification capabil-ity. NDI BIDS was fielded in 1996 and theP3I BIDS in 1999 to reserve and active com-ponent units, respectively.

BIDS uses multiple complementary tech -nologies to detect various characteristics ofa biological aerosol attack. BIDS integratesaerodynamic particle sizing, luminescence,fluorescence, flow cytometry, mass spec-trometry and immunoassay technologiesin a hierarchical, layered manner to in-crease detection confidence and system re-liability. BIDS detects all types of biologicalagents and identifies specific agents of in-terest. The system can be easily upgradedor modified to identify other additionalagents, based on changes in threat condi-tions. NDI BIDS will detect biological war-fare agents in less than 15 minutes andidentify any four agents, simultaneously,in less than 45 minutes. P3I BIDS will de-

tect any eight agents in less than 10 min-utes and identify them, simultaneously, inless than 30 minutes. Both systems collecta sample for confirmatory analysis and re-port detection and identification results byvoice transmission.

The M93/M93A1 Fox Nuclear-Biolog -ical-Chemical Reconnaissance System(NBCRS), an upgrade to the existing M93vehicle, detects, identifies and marks areasof nuclear and chemical contamination,and reports accurate information to sup-ported commanders in real time.

The M93 NBCRS is an Army-improvedversion of the German TPZ1 Fuchs wheeledarmored vehicle. It is equipped with afully integrated nuclear and chemical de-tection system, warning and communica-tions capability, and it can also sampleNBC contamination for future analysis.The system can collect soil, water and veg-etation samples for later analysis; mark ar-eas of nuclear and chemical contamina-tion; and transmit, in real time, NBC infor-mation to unit commanders in the area ofoperation. The hazards to the NBCRS creware minimized through the presence of ve-hicle NBC collective protection, and byproviding positive overpressure with heat-ing and cooling for crew members.

The M93A1 Block I modification lets sol-diers detect chemical contamination at adistance through the use of a standoff de-tector (M21 RSCAAL). The onboard com-puter’s multipurpose integrated chemicalagent alarm (MICAD) automatically inte-grates contamination information fromsensors with input from onboard naviga-tion and meteorological systems, and itrapidly transmits it to the maneuver con-trol system. The M93A1 also reduces thecrew size from four to three soldiers.

The Block II modification NBCRS incor-porates enhanced chemical and biologicaldetectors that will allow on-the-move

standoff chemical agent detection. Newsubsystems, such as the chemical and bio-logical mass spectrometer, will improvethe detection and identification of liquidchemical agents while providing a first-time biological agent detection capabilityto the reconnaissance platform. There isalso a 32 to 57 percent reduction in routereconnaissance mission time. Integrationof the common digitized division/corpsNBC technical architecture will allow forexpanding and upgrading the onboardcomputers at minimal cost.

The Joint Services Lightweight NBCReconnaissance System (JSLNBCRS) willprovide point and standoff intelligence forreal-time field assessment of NBC hazards.

The Joint Biological Point DetectionSystem (JBPDS) is the first fully auto-mated biological threat agent detection,collection and identification suite designedfor employment by all four services.

JBPDS is a modular system that pro-vides both continuous and real-timeaerosol detection with presumptive identi-fication for up to 10 agents simultaneouslywithin 18 minutes. Upon positive identifi-cation, the user is alerted by both an audi-ble and visual alarm. Each identified sam-ple is safely collected and packaged forlaboratory analysis. Both remote and localmonitoring is available.

The modular design of the JBPDS pro-vides not only an open architecture for up-grade insertion, but also the capability toremain in operation even if one of thecomponents fails.

The JBPDS is available in four differentconfigurations (portable, shelter, ship-board and trailer) to provide a commondetection and identification capability forjoint interoperability and supportability.JBPDS integrated platforms include bio-logical integrated detection system (BIDS),Stryker reconnaissance vehicle (RV), sur-face ships and joint service lightweight nu-clear biological and chemical reconnais-sance system (JSLNBCRS).

JBPDS also supports homeland defenseoperations.

The M31E2 JBPDS-BIDS is an Armyvariant composed of an S788 lightweightmultipurpose shelter mounted on a dedi-cated vehicle M1097 or M1113 Humveewith digital communication (FBCB2) andan on-board generator. It is a corps-levelasset employed by a dedicated biologicaldefense company to detect large-area bio-logical attacks.


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M93A1 Fox nuclear-biological-chemicalreconnaissance system

The BIDS network provides the basis forwarning and confirming that a biologicalattack has occurred.

The JBPDS has undergone numerous de-velopmental tests and operational trials. Inthe end, the JBPDS still remains the topperformer for biological detection.

NBC ProtectionThe M40/42-Series Protective Masks, a

family of chemical-biological (CB) protec-tive masks, provide respiratory, eye andface protection against chemical and bio-logical agents, toxins, radioactive particlesand battlefield contaminants. The M40/42series replaces the M17, M25 and M9masks. Features include an improved faceseal for better protection and vision, flexi-bility at temperature extremes, increaseduseful life, weather and ozone resistance,improved soldier comfort, and ease ofcleaning and maintenance.

M40/42-series masks are issued to sol-diers, sailors and marines—the M42A2 toarmored crews and the M40A1 to the bal-ance of the force and U.S. Army MaterielCommand surety sites.

The M40A1 and M42A2 masks have asilicone rubber face piece with an in-turned peripheral face seal and binocularrigid-lens system. The basic mask, theM40A1, includes a face-mounted canisterwith NATO standard threads (gas andaerosol filter) that can be worn on eitherthe left or right side; a drinking tube; andclear and tinted lens “outserts.” When thecanister is attached to a connection hoseand equipped with a canister carrier,larger mask carrier and detachable micro-phone, the mask becomes the M42A2,which is used by all combat-vehicle crewpersonnel. The interchangeability also al-lows the repair of masks using a face pieceassembly while retaining other existing,undamaged parts instead of a total re-placement. This advance saves significantmoney and time.

The M45 Chemical-Biological Protec-tive Mask replaces the M24 and M49 masksystem. The M45 mask supports the LandWarrior program, as well as Joint SpecialOperations Command requirements, andserves as the mask for Army, Navy, AirForce and Marine personnel who cannotbe fitted with the standard M40/ M40A1,M42/M42A2 or MCU-2A/P protectivemasks.

The M45 mask provides protection toface, eyes, head, neck and respiratory tractfrom chemical-biological (CB) agents andradioactive particles without the aid offorced ventilation air, while maintainingcompatibility with rotary-wing aircraft-sighting systems and night-vision devices.

The M45 mask consists of close-fitting eyelenses, front and side voice-mitter for face-to-face and telephone communication, a microphone pass-through for aircraftcommunications, a drinking tube pass-through, a low-profile canister interopera-ble hose assembly to allow both hose andface-mounted configurations, interchange-able nose cups, a rubber face piece with anin-turned peripheral seal, and a secondskin and hood.

Protection is provided by the agent-re-sistant face piece and second skin andhood.

Although all three components protectthe soldier against CB agents in gaseousform, the second skin and hood provideincreased liquid agent protection. TheLand Warrior configuration does not in-clude the hose assembly, hood, canisterbaffle, microphone or microphone cable.

The mask is available in four sizes, andthe interchangeable nose cups come in fivedifferent sizes to improve fit, comfort andvision. A different nose cup configurationis available for left-hand firing. Vision-cor-rective inserts can be fitted inside the facepiece.

Close-fitting eye lenses are shaped toimprove peripheral vision and are compat-ible with most optical sighting and night-vision devices. Easy use of a drinking sys-tem permits intake of liquids.

The XM50 Joint Service General Pur-pose Chemical-Biological Protective Mask(JSGPM) program will provide the next-generation mask for all U.S.-joint serviceground forces.

The JSGPM requirements include meet-ing existing and new threats posed by bothchemical and biological agents and se-lected toxic industrial materials/chemicalsthat American forces may face in the fu-ture.

Other key performance parameters in-clude a focus on reduced weight and bulk(smaller logistical footprint), compatibilitywith current and emerging equipment, im-

proved reliability and an overall improvedmission performance for soldiers, air-crews, marines and sailors. The cradle-to-grave acquisition approach will also focuson reducing the total ownership cost for allservices by replacing the five existing gen-eral-purpose protective masks with thisone item.

The system design goals call for signifi-cant improvement (50 percent) over theM40 in the areas of breathing resistance,weight and bulk, compatibility with cur-rent and future systems, maintenance (50percent fewer parts), and agent and toxicindustrial chemical filtration included inthe filter design. Production is planned torun through FY 2015 for a U.S. acquisitionobjective of approximately 2.2 millionmasks.

The M43/M48 Chemical-Biological Air-craft Protective Mask provides CB protec-tion for Apache aviators and was designedfor compatibility with the AH-64 Apachehelicopter’s integrated helmet and displaysighting system (IHADSS) and optical re-lay tube.

The M43 mask has a form-fitting butylrubber face piece with lenses that mountclose to the eyes; an integrally attached CBhood and a skull-type suspension system;an inhalation air distribution system forregulating the flow of air to the oronasalcavity; lenses and hood; and a pressure-compensated exhalation valve assemblyfor maintaining overpressure in the maskand hood. The overpressure is maintainedby a portable blower/filter system that op-erates on battery or aircraft power andwhich filters air through a pair of C2 canis-ters.

The M43-type I mask has a notchedright eye lens to allow interface with thehelmet display unit of the IHADSS equip-ment. The mask was specifically designedfor compatibility with the subsystems ofthe AH-64, and it provides protection forthe head, face, eyes and respiratory sys-tems against field concentrations of all


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chemical and biological agents in liquidand aerosol forms, and against toxins andradioactive fallout particles. Vision correc-tion is accomplished via contact lenses. Inaddition, the mask provides external voicecommunications and a drinking tube as-sembly.

M43 is type-classified limited produc-tion-urgent and is currently fielded to allApache pilots.

The M48 mask, chemical-biologicalApache aviator, is an improved M43A1-se-ries mask (M43-type I), that is used byApache helicopter pilots.

The M48 mask replaces the existing M43blower with a portable lightweight motorblower (LWMB) that provides blown andfiltered air for breathing, lens defoggingand head cooling, thus enabling the aircrewto perform its mission in a CB environmentboth inside and outside the aircraft.

During flight operations, the LWMB willbe mounted in the Apache cockpit in thesame location as the M43 blower and canbe quickly removed during an emergencyegress procedure. The M48 was type-clas-sified Standard A in June 1996.

The Chemical-Biological ProtectiveShelter (CBPS) replaces the M51 collectiveprotection shelter. It consists of a light -weight multipurpose shelter mounted onan expanded-capacity variant Humveeand a 300-square-foot airbeam supportedsoft shelter.

The CBPS provides 72 hours of contami-nation-free, environmentally controlledworking area for medical, combat serviceand combat service support personnel toobtain relief from the need to continuouslywear chemical-biological individual pro-tective clothing. Medical equipment andcrew gear are transported inside the LMSand additional medical equipment is car-ried on a towed high-mobility trailer.

An engineering change (EC) is being im-plemented to replace the hydraulic pow-ered environmental support systems(Model 1) components and eliminate theneed to use the Humvee engine. The ECwill incorporate a self-powered electro-mechanical environmental support system(Model 2). A contract option has been exer-cised to procure 26 CBPS (Model 2) sys-tems.Chemically Protected Deployable Med -

ical Support (CP DEPMEDS) is a con-tainerized set that provides Army DEP -MEDS combat support hospitals with a ca-pability to sustain operations in an NBCenvironment.

This modular system integrates environ-mentally controlled collective protectionelements into the hospital to reduce casu-alties and enhance combat effectiveness.CP DEPMEDS uses M28 collective protec-tion (CP) equipment, power, waste, and la-trine management assets to provide an ex-tended hospital capability.

The M20A1 Simplified Collective Pro-tection Equipment (SCPE) provides aclean-air shelter for use against chemicaland biological warfare agents and radioac-tive particles. The SCPE is an inflatableshelter which allows personnel to performduties without wearing individual protec-tion equipment. It can be used as a com-mand, control, communication and intelli-gence shelter or as a soldier rest and relieffacility.

DecontaminationThe M291 Skin Decontamination Kit

consists of a wallet-like carrying pouchcontaining six individual decontaminationpackets, enough to do three complete skindecontaminations. Each packet contains anapplicator pad filled with decontamina-tion powder.

Operating temperatures range from mi-nus 50 to 120 degrees Fahren heit, and stor-age temperatures are from minus 60 to 160degrees Fahrenheit. Users can decontami-nate their skin completely through re-moval, absorption and neutralization oftoxic agents with no long-term harmful ef-fects. It is for external use only and mayslightly irritate eyes or skin.

Decontamination is accomplished byapplying a black decontamination powdercontained in the applicator pad. Applica-tion to skin exposed to contamination is

explained in the technical manual. TheM291 is a fielded item and replaces theM258A1 skin decontamination kit.

The M100 Sorbent DecontaminationSystem (SDS) is another decontaminatingagent. It is a free-flowing, reactive, highlyabsorptive powder manufactured fromaluminum oxide. The sorbent system wasadopted in April 1999 after passing a rigor-ous peer review by a team of independentnongovernment evaluators and represen-tatives from the Army, Navy and AirForce.

The M100 SDS replaces the M11s andM13s currently used in spray-down opera-tions associated with immediate deconta-mination. Each SDS consists of two 0.7-pound packs of powdered reactive sor-bent, two wash-mitt-type sorbent applica-tors, a case, straps and detailed instruc-tions. An additional chemical-resistantmounting bracket is available. The systemuses powdered sorbent to remove chemi-cal agents from surfaces. Using the SDSdecreases decontamination time and elimi-nates the need for water. Each SDS weighs4.2 pounds and fits into a 31⁄4-inch x 6-inchx 141⁄2-inch space. The SDS mountingbracket is designed to fit M11 mountingholes, allowing easy replacement of theM11.

Future developments include toxicologytesting on the sorbent system to assess its


acceptability to the Food and Drug Ad-ministration for use in skin decontamina-tion and on open wounds. In addition, theSDS program will consider providing ca-pability for contamination avoidance byproviding protection of sensitive equip-ment. The sorbent system will also betested against biological contaminants.DF200 Foam is a non-toxic, noncorrosive

aque ous solution with enhanced physicalstability for the rapid mitigation and de-contamination of chemical and biologicalwarfare (CBW) agents and toxic hazardousmaterials. DF200 foam is primarily de-signed for suited personnel and theirequipment. The foam formulation is basedon a surfactant system to solubolize spar-ingly soluble agents and increase rates ofreaction with nucleophilic reagents andmild oxidizing agents. The formulationalso includes water-soluble polymers toenhance the physical stability of the foam.DF200 was developed at Sandia NationalLaboratories.

DF200 can be deployed as a foam or liq-uid spray, with foam application beingpreferable in most instances. Foam appli-cation provides an easy visual referencefor application coverage, an expansion offormulation to enhance area coverage pergallon, and allows the formulation to ad-here to surfaces and maintain required wetcontact time with the agents being decont-aminated.

Components for the DF200 foam aremixed in a five-gallon bucket prior to use,then poured into the tanks and applied.The way the foam is applied can be modi-fied by changing the tips on the 20-foot ap-plication hose. Once mixed, the foam solu-tion has an eight-hour shelf life. The un-mixed components for the foam solutionhave a two- to five-year shelf life.

DF200 is attractive for civilian and mili-tary applications for the following reasons:It can be used for both chemical and bio-logical toxicants; it can be rapidly de-

ployed; mitigation of agents can be accom-plished in bulk, aerosol and vapor phases;there is minimal health and collateral dam-age; it requires minimal logistics support;it has minimal run-off of fluids and nolasting environmental impact; and is rela-tively inexpensive.

The Fixed-Site Decontamination Sys-tem (FSDS) is a truck mounted, slip-oncompressed air foam (CAF) unit. It fea-tures an advanced, modular-designedcomponent compartment with controlpanel and a self-contained rotary screw aircompressor. Also known as the Falcon™,the FSDS is designed for durability, multi-ple use and low maintenance. The FSDSwill fit in the standard bed of a pickuptruck. A foam concentrate tank is built intothe water tank, allowing for quick systemactivation and accurate foam application.Foam cell capacity is adjustable to fit speci-fications. Foam streams can be projected to110 feet (34 meters) with a 11⁄2-inch handline and optional compressor. The FSDS iscompressor-driven, with choice of gas ordiesel engine.

The Multipurpose DecontaminationSystem (MPDS)module is a follow-on de-velopment of the NATO high-pressurecleaning and decontamination system,Kärcher HDS 1200 BK, which is being usedworldwide by more than 40 armed forces.Because of its modular construction, theMPDS is of universal use, either as an in-dependent single unit or incorporated in amore complex system. The main compo-nents of the module are integrated in analuminum frame. These are: engine drive,high pressure pump and heat exchangeunit.

The MPDS module operates at tempera-tures from -30 to +60 degrees Celsius. Foroptimal functioning under arctic condi-tions, oil and air are preheated. Water issupplied through a self-suction siphon to aheight of four meters from creeks, rivers,hydrants or water tanks. The supply with

chemicals via the high-pressure pump isvariable up to 60 liters per hour (16 gallonsper hour). All functions are controlled by acentral control panel. Temperature is vari-able from 0 to 210 degrees Celsius and theunit can produce cold water, hot water andwet or dry steam.

An air-cooled diesel 4.2 kilowatt enginedrives the high-pressure pump, supplyingthe module with electric energy via atopped generator. The engine is automati-cally started by a maintenance-free battery.If necessary, it can also be started manu-ally. The fully automatic burner system op-erates at reverse current and is heated bydiesel fuel. The temperature control regu-lates the burner.

The Joint Service Sensitive EquipmentDecontamination (JSSED) System willprovide the ability to decontaminatechemical and biological agents from sensi-tive equipment (avionics, electronics, elec-trical) and environmental systems andequipment, aircraft and vehicle interiors(during flight/ground/shipboard opera-tions) and associated cargo.

NBC Integration Into the Army Battle Command System (ABCS)

As part of Army transformation, theU.S. Army Soldier and Biological ChemicalCommand (SBCCOM) develops capabili-ties and products for the ABCS to ensuresoldier survivability, force protection andweapons of mass destruction situationalawareness. The goal is to network all bat-tlefield NBC sensors and instantly trans-mit NBC warnings and reports throughthe ABCS to minimize the effects of hostileNBC attacks or incidents on U.S. forces.

To accomplish this goal the project man-ager for nuclear, biological and chemicaldefense systems has two working projects:multipurpose integrated chemical agentalarm (MICAD) and the joint warning andreporting network (JWARN) system.

MICAD interfaces with battlefield NBCsensors, such as the advanced chemicalagent detection alarms and the M93A1NBCRS (Fox). It remotely collects datafrom these sensors and automatically gen-erates NBC messages that are then trans-mitted to the Force XXI Battle CommandBrigade and Below (FBCB2) and maneuvercontrol systems.

The second system, JWARN, is a soft-ware application that resides on the ma-neuver control system (MCS). This com-puter program receives NBC sensor datafrom the battlefield and allows the user toconduct detailed NBC analysis quicklyand send this information out through theMCS to Army commanders and other ser-vice components, providing decisive infor-mation to maintain information superior-ity and maneuver dominance.

To enhance NBC integration in the fu-ture, the Army has initiated a project


‘It’s a silencer!’

called the embedded common technical ar-chitecture, which will integrate the capa-bilities of MICAD and JWARN into a sin-gle-board computer at a significantly re-duced cost. This effort is currently targetedto support the Stryker brigade combatteams and will communicate throughFBCB2.

The Multipurpose Integrated ChemicalAgent Alarm (MICAD) is an integratednuclear, biological and chemical detectionwarning and reporting system to be usedin area warning, combat and armored ve-hicles, and tactical van and shelter missionprofiles. MICAD automates the currentlylaborious NBC warning and reportingprocess throughout the battlefield. It auto-mates the gathering of NBC contaminationdata from fielded NBC detectors and sen-sors and automatically formats and trans-mits alarms and reports up the chain ofcommand throughout the battlefield.

MICAD provides a communications in-terface to NBC sensors, provides warningsof chemical and nuclear attacks through-out the battlefield and automatically gen-erates NBC-1/NBC-4 reports over existingtactical communications. It operates withthe M22 and an AN/VDR-2 Radiac set. Itinterfaces with GPS vehicle navigationsystems and modular collective protectionequipment; it automates NBC report prepa-ration (NBC-1/NBC-4) and transmission,and it communicates via single-channelground and air radio system, FBCB2 orJWARN. Its flexible design allows its usein an area warning role with telemetry linkradio.

The Joint Warning and Reporting Net-work (JWARN) is based on a commercialoff-the-shelf software package developedby Bruhn New Tech. JWARN hazard pre-diction warning and reporting proceduresfor NBC attacks are based on standardNATO Allied Tech nical Publication (ATP)-45procedures. JWARN was designed to al-low warfighters to determine and displayNBC hazard areas resulting from the useof NBC weapon systems and dissemina-tion devices. JWARN has the ability to pro-vide hazard estimates of onset times andduration of hazard. JWARN also providesdatabase management to store informationused to warn units and can generate thestandard ATP-45 message set and over-lays. The program operates in exercise andoperational modes.

ObscurationSmoke and other obscurants have been

used in wars dating back to the ancientGreeks. On today’s battlefield, smoke cancounter new generations of smart weap -ons. Smoke is used as camouflage, asblinding smoke laid directly on enemy po-sitions and as a decoy to confuse and mis-lead enemy forces. These basic smoke ap-plications are used to increase survivabil-

ity, buy maneuver time for the attackerand protect forward-assembly areas andhigh-priority rear areas for the defense.

Smoke particles scatter or absorb radiantenergy used by troops and smart weaponsfor target acquisition and for weaponguidance and control. Smart weapon sen-sors operate in three main parts of the elec-tromagnetic spectrum: visible; near-, mid-and far-infrared wavelengths; and mil-limeter wavelengths.

The most effective scattering smokes areaerosols that are the same size as the oper-ating wavelengths of the sensor to be de-feated. The best smoke for the visible spec-trum may be transparent in the far-in-frared area. The entire chain of electro-op-tical, infrared and millimeter-wave deviceslinking a smart weapon to a target is sus-ceptible to smoke and other obscurants. Inaddition to absorbing light, some smokesemit heat, which can cover or clutter thethermal images of targets.

The reflection of laser or radar beamsfrom smoke clouds can produce false tar-geting information for smart weapons, whichcan be blinded and defeated by smoke.Battlefield obscurants allow combatants totake advantage of technology overmatch.In Operation Desert Storm, U.S. groundforces used infrared-viewer technology atnight to achieve dramatic results.

The Army uses several models of smoke-

generation systems, including: the M56Coyote, the M58 Wolf, the M157A2 Lynxand the M1059/ M1059A3 Lynx. In addi-tion, the M6 countermeasure dischargerprovides self-screening protection to indi-vidual combat vehicles.

The M56 Coyote Smoke-GenerationSystem (SGS) provides large-area obscu-ration in the visual and infrared spectra. Itis a Humvee-mounted, large-area, smoke-generator system. In addition to providingenhanced spectrum coverage, the M56 sys-tem provides smoke generators with anew wheeled-vehicle platform. The sys-tem is mounted on the new expanded-ca-pacity M113 Humvee and provides greaterpayload capacity and higher mobility forsupporting smoke units.

Six M56 Coyotes form a smoke platoon.They support light and airborne maneuverunits by disseminating smoke on the moveor from stationary positions to defeat en-emy sensors and smart munitions, such astank thermal sights, guided munitions, di-rected energy weapons and other systemsoperating in the visible through far-in-frared regions of the electromagnetic spec-trum. The system is modular and uses agas turbine engine to disseminate obscu-rants. The visual screening module is ca-pable of vaporizing fog oil at a rate equalto the M157 smoke generator for up to 90minutes.


The infrared screening module can dis-seminate particulate material to provide 30minutes of screening. M56 program plan-ners cite the expanding global use of in-frared targeting and sighting devices forprompting development of the M56 Coy-ote, the Army’s first large-area smoke sys-tem capable of generating visible and in-frared blocking screens.

The M56 Coyote was type-classified“standard” in September 1994 and was fol-lowed by an initial production contractaward for 296 systems in March 1995.First-article and production verificationtesting were successfully completed inSeptember 1996.

By the end of February 2000, 231 sys-tems had been fielded to U.S. Army Train-ing and Doctrine Command (TRADOC),U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)and U.S. Army Reserve Command (US-ARC). Fielding continues to FORSCOMand USARC.

A materiel change program to add a mil-limeter-wave module began in FY 2001 toprovide extended spectral coverage to de-feat threat weapon systems operating inthe millimeter regions of the electromag-netic spectrum.

The fielding of new M56 Coyotespushed older M157 SGSs down to lowerpriority units. The last chemical unit withthe aging M3A4 smoke-generation sys-tems received M56 Coyotes in the firstquarter of FY 2002.

The M58 Wolf Smoke-Generation Sys-tem places the capabilities of the M56 on aderivative of the tracked M113 armoredpersonnel family. In addition to its currentmultispectral obscurant screening capabil-ities, planned materiel changes will allowthe addition of a millimeter-wave (MMW)obscuration module, providing the capa-bility to counter the threat arising from thewide proliferation of advanced visual andinfrared sensors and future MMW sensors.

The chemical smoke platoon consists ofseven M58 vehicles. Six of these are orga-nized into two squads of three and thesmoke platoon leader leads in the seventhvehicle.

Missions include providing static andmobile visual and/or infrared screening(haze, blanket and curtain) to concealground maneuver forces, and supportingbreaching and recovery operations.

The M58 Wolf was type-classified in Au-gust 1995. Following a successful produc-tion verification test, the Wolf received ma-teriel release approval in the first quarterof FY 1998 and has since been successfullyfielded. It was fielded to Army Reserve

units, along with training, late in FY 2000.The M157A2 Lynx Smoke-Generation

System lets Army forces on the move pro-duce large-area visual smoke screens. Thesystem uses dual-pulse engines operatingon standard Army fuels to produce largeclouds of fog-oil vapor to defeat visualrange observation and tracking methods,including lasers.

Its major components are two M54A2smoke generators, an air compressor as-sembly, a 120-gallon fog-oil tank, a fog-oilpump assembly and a remote-controlpanel. The entire package is mounted onthe rear of an M1037/M1097 Humvee withan M284A1 mounting kit.

The M157A2 effort emerged through apost-Operation Desert Storm integratedproduct team approach that targeted theearlier M54 engine on the M157 system forboth operational cost reduction and sim-plified logistics.

Although the earlier M54 engines reliedon unleaded gasoline only, the newM54A2 pulse jet engines burn any mid-viscosity Army fuel—including die sel, JP4,JP8 and motor gasoline—to produce athick white smoke cloud. Each engine iscapable of vaporizing 40 gallons of fog oilin a one-hour mission.

The M1059/M1059A3 Lynx Smoke-Gen-erator Carrier is an M113A2 armored per-sonnel carrier modified to transport a sin-gle M157 smoke-generating set. The twogenerators, mounted on the roof of the ve-hicle under armor, are remotely controlledfrom inside the vehicle. A 120-gallon fog-oil tank located within the vehicle can gen-erate smoke for approximately one hourwithout refueling. The Army initiallyfielded approximately 200 M1059 systemsbetween 1988 and 1990. Many of these ve-hicle systems have now been converted tothe M1059A3 configuration with the relia-bility improvement for selected equipmentpower upgrade.

The M6 Countermeasure Discharger isa four-tube smoke grenade launcher thatenables combat vehicles to conceal them-selves from hostile surveillance, target ac-

quisition and weapon guidance systems.The M6 can fire all Q-STAG 401 conform-ing grenades (66 mm) and interfaces withvehicle integrated defense systems.

TRACKED VEHICLES

The M1 Series Abrams Tank providesthe Army with mobile, protected fire-power and will remain the cornerstone ofthe Army’s counterattack and containmentforces as the Army transforms to the Fu-ture Force. The Abrams tank provides sol-diers with the lethality, survivability andstaying power to successfully close withand destroy enemy forces on the inte-grated battlefield. The 120 mm main gunon the M1A1 and M1A2, combined withthe powerful 1,500-hp turbine engine andspecial armor, make the Abrams tank par-ticularly suitable for attacking or defend-ing against large concentrations of heavyarmor forces on a highly lethal battlefieldand for other roles that require shock effectand mobile direct firepower to supportArmy mission requirements.

Two major programs maintain and re-capitalize the Abrams fleet: the M1A2 sys-tems enhancement program (SEP) and theM1A1 Abrams integrated management(AIM) program.

The M1A2 program provides the Abramswith the necessary improvements inlethality, survivability and fighting abilityrequired to defeat advanced threats. It isthe Army’s first digitized, direct fire, com-bat vehicle.

The M1A2 has a digital command andcontrol system that provides situationalawareness updates to all the other tanks ina unit. Vetronics architecture ties all elec-tronic components in the tank togetherand provides increased survivability andsupportability. The commander’s indepen-dent thermal viewer gives it a hunter-killercapacity. The M1A2 also has improved on-board diagnostics that allow the tank totroubleshoot itself without any additionalspecial tools or equipment.

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the SEP, are under way. The M1A2 SEP isthe backbone of the Army’s first digitizeddivision and the counterattack corps of theArmy’s current force. It is the only weaponsystem that can withstand the impact ofhigh-energy warheads and remain lethalin high-mobility and sustained operations.It has integrated combat command andcontrol (IC3), which incorporates Force XXIBattle Command Brigade and Below(FBCB2) to provide command and controland situational awareness.

Its sights use the latest thermal-imagingsystem (second-generation forward-look-ing infrared or FLIR) for increased lethal-ity and survivability. The M1A2 SEP tanktakes advantage of computer/electronicindustry advances by including improvedelectronics developed since the introduc-tion of the M1A2. The SEP package in-cludes a new computerized mass-memoryunit and color maps and displays. A ther-mal management system increases elec-tronic reliability and decreases crew fatigue.

Production deliveries of the M1A2 SEPtank began in September 1999. These vehi-cles were used extensively during OIF.

The Army must sustain the readinessand reduce the operations and supportcosts of approximately 4,300 older M1A1Abrams main battle tanks in its active andreserve component units.

The Abrams Integrated ManagementProgram is the recapitalization programfor the M1A1 tank. Under AIM, M1A1tanks are completely disassembled at An-niston Army Depot, Ala. The depot refur-bishes many of the tank’s components.The assemblies are then shipped to theJoint Systems Manufacturing Center(JSMC) in Ohio, where General DynamicsLand Systems reassembles the tanks to azero time/zero miles standard.

The AIM program has fielded tanks tounits at Fort Hood, Texas, and in Germany.Annual production now stands at 135tanks per year and will continue until2012. AIM also serves as the venue to ap-ply modifications and upgrades to thetank, including embedded diagnostics.

AIM also serves as a means to combat elec-tronic obsolescence by introducing im-proved line-replaceable units (LRUs) forthose that face technical obsolescence. TheAIM process also incorporates redesignedhull and turret network boxes.

The Bradley M2A3 Infantry/M3A3 Cav-alry Fighting Vehicle (IFV/CFV) facilitatesenhanced command and control capabili-ties, provides mobile protected transportof an infantry squad to critical points onthe battlefield and performs cavalry scoutand other essential (Bradley-equipped firesupport and Stinger teams) missions in the21st century. Upgrades in this program in-clude advanced technology in the areas ofcommand and control, lethality, surviv-ability, mobility and sustainability, re-quired to defeat current and future threatforces while remaining operationally com-patible with the main battle tank. TheM2/M3 vehicle armament includes the 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, the TOW IImissile system and a 7.62 mm M240C ma-chine gun.

The M2A3/M3A3 provides overwatch-ing fires to support dismounted infantryand to suppress and defeat enemy tanks,reconnaissance vehicles, infantry fightingvehicles (IFVs), armored personnel carri-ers, bunkers, dismounted infantry and at-

tack helicopters. The infantry version (M2)of the A3 Bradley fighting vehicle is usedmost often to close with the enemy bymeans of fire and maneuver. The primarytasks performed by the cavalry version(M3) as part of a troop and/or squadronare reconnaissance, security and flankguard missions.

The A3 is the consummate digitizedplatform with a core electronics architec-ture on a 1553 data bus and an improvedtarget acquisition system that includes afull ballistic fire control package withhunter/killer functionality via a comman-der’s independent viewer (CIV). Opticalimprovements also include two second-generation FLIRs and day television cam-eras, which can be displayed to the squadmembers in the back of the vehicle via therear-mounted squad leader’s display. Thisfeature significantly improves the real-time situational awareness for the entiredismounted or mounted crew.

The A3 integrated combat command andcontrol (IC3) package incorporates theArmy’s digital command and control suiteof automated messages, overlays andfriend or foe graphics that meet the Ar my’sobjectives for a fully digitized force. Thissame digital command and control capabil-ity was incorporated into the A2 Operation


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Desert Storm (ODS), including a squadleader’s display for messages and graphics.

The new A3 variants reflect the latest it-erations of a fighting vehicle family thatincludes the Bradley M2/M3A0, A1, A2,A2 ODS, IFV/cavalry fighting vehicle(CFV), Bradley fire support team (BFIST)vehicle and M2A2 ODS engineer vehicle.Additional Bradley variants, based on theassociated tracked M270 multiple-launchrocket system (MLRS) chassis, range fromcommand and control systems to armoredmedical treatment vehicles.

The M4 Command and Control Vehicle(C2V) program emerged from lessonslearned during Operation Desert Storm.Based on the Bradley family’s MLRS chas-sis, the M4 C2V is a self-contained platformwith onboard support subsystems capableof providing adequate power for missionequipment and NBC protection and envi-ronmental control.

Platform components include a primarypower unit that can provide 21,000 wattsof AC and 4,600 watts of DC power, an an-tenna compartment that supports a 10-me-ter nesting mast, a 579-cubic foot crew/mission equipment compartment, a bio-chem system (100/200 cubic foot perminute with 1.5 inches of water overpres-sure) and an environmental cooling unit(40,000 BTU per hour cooling).

A March 1994 engineering and manufac-turing development contract was followedby three low-rate initial production awardsthat covered a total of 25 vehicles. The fi-nal vehicles covered under that contractwere delivered in June 2001.

Although the M4 C2V program was ter-minated in December 1999 to providefunding for the Army’s new Stryker armored vehicle acquisition, the Armypulled the systems out of storage and is-sued most of them for combat use duringOperation Iraqi Freedom.

The M7 Bradley Fire Support Team(BFIST) Vehicle provides an integratedBradley-based fire support platform, basedon the M2A2 ODS vehicle, that enablescompany fire support teams (FISTs) andcompany fire support officers to plan, co-ordinate and execute timely, accurate indi-rect artillery and mortar fires.

The M7 BFIST is equipped with an iner-tial navigation system, targeting stationand lightweight computer units with theforward observer system (FOS), all inte-

grated on a 1,553 data bus. These featuresprovide the crew with a highly accuratepoint-and-click targeting capability, sta-tionary or while on the move, day or night,under all weather conditions.

The M7 BFIST is also armed with a 25mm automatic cannon and a 7.62 mmcoaxial machine gun common to the Brad -ley fighting vehicle family. Force XXI Bat-tle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2)was fielded to M7 BFIST in FY 2003.

Combat engineer battalions in Armyheavy divisions have historically traveledthe battlefield in the venerable M113 per-sonnel carrier. The M113 was the work-horse of the Army for decades and pro-vided indirect fire protection for thesoldiers assigned to ride in it and excellentcross-country mobility. The drawback tothe M113 was that it could not providesustained direct fire support nor could itmaneuver with current infantry and armorweapon systems on today’s modern battle-field. In 2000, the Army made the decision

to field the M2A2 ODS Engineer (ODS-E)Vehicle, which is the same as the Bradleyinfantry fighting vehicle variant except forthe stowing of engineer-specific equipment.

With the advent of the M2A2 ODS engi-neer vehicle, the combat engineers nowhave the capability to maneuver with theinfantry and armor combat systems andprovide direct fire support to dismountedengineer soldiers from their own platform.The engineers will also have the onboardForce XXI Battle Command Brigade andBelow (FBCB2) system that ties the engi-neers into the common digital picture andprovides them real-time situational aware-ness and command and control. With theODS-E and FBCB2, the combat engineersare able to provide even more combatpower. It has been fielded to elements ofIII Corps at Fort Hood, Texas.

The M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recov-ery Combat Utility Lift and EvacuationSystem (HERCULES) is a full-tracked,heavy armored vehicle developed to ac-


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complish safe, effective and independentbattlefield recovery operations. It imple-ments swift and effective combat evacua-tions through the battlefield recovery op-erations of towing, winching and lifting.

The HERCULES uses the M88A1 chassismodified to significantly improve towing,winching, lifting and braking characteris-tics. It is the primary recovery support forthe 70-ton M1 Abrams tank, the Wolverineand other heavy combat vehicles.

The M88A2 includes a 1,050-horsepowerengine; a 35-ton boom; overlay armor; a140,000-pound, single-line, constant-pullmain winch; and a three-ton auxiliarywinch for deploying the main winch cable.When compared to the M88A1, these up-grades improve towing power by 25 per-cent, lifting capability by 40 percent andwinching ability by 55 percent.

The system is in full-rate production anddeployment. Fielding began in July 1997,and it achieved first unit equipped in July1997. The first Army vehicle was deliveredin January 1996.

The M113 Family of Vehicles (FOV) pro-vides a highly mobile, survivable and reli-able tracked-vehicle platform that, with up-grades, is able to keep pace with Abrams-and Bradley-equipped units and is adapt-able to a wide range of current and futurebattlefield tasks through the integration ofspecialized mission modules. Although notpresently in new production, the 14,795M113 FOV systems now in Army vehicle in-ventories constitute a significant percentageof present and future heavy division assets.

Recent activities within the M113 FOVfocused on upgrading several models ofthe vehicles to meet or exceed the mobilitycharacteristics of the supported maneuverforce. The most recent upgrade to see widefielding is the A3 reliability improvementfor selected equipment (RISE). RISE pro-vides various derivatives within the FOVwith major performance improvements in

mobility, reliability and survivabilitythrough installation of a 275-horsepower6V53T engine with an X-200-4A transmis-sion.

Coupled with reconfiguration of the dri-ver’s station and several other vehicle sub-systems, these improvements provide bat-tlefield mobility commensurate with thesupported Abrams/Bradley maneuverforce. Moreover, the increased perfor-mance provided by this and other upgradepackages permits a range of enhanced sur-vivability options.

Six Army M113 derivatives have beentargeted by the upgrade program to date:the M113A3 armored personnel carrier, theM577A3 armored command post, theM1064A3 self-propelled mortar carrier, theM1068A3 standard integrated commandpost system, the M58 smoke-generator car-rier and the opposing forces surrogate ve-hicle (OSV).

By the middle of FY 1999, the Army hadcompleted the planned upgrade programfor the M1064A3. These upgrades, whichwere performed under a partnershiparrangement between Anniston (Ala.)Army Depot and United Defense LP’sSteel Products Division, led to further up-grades of M113A3s and M1068A3s.

In a parallel organic upgrade program,the Army’s Alabama depot has been up-grading additional M113 systems. Recentsystem upgrade activities have focused onthe M113A3, M577A3, M1068A3, M58 andthe OSV.

The Army’s Opposing Forces SurrogateVehicle (OSV) is designed to visually andtactically simulate the BMP-2 infantryfighting vehicle at the National TrainingCenter (NTC) and in similar training envi-ronments. The simulation has been accom-plished by adding a modified Bradley tur-ret with other visual modifications to anupgraded M113A3 chassis (modifying for-mer M901 improved TOW vehicles).

The OSV replaces the shrinking supplyof aging and difficult to maintain M551scurrently in surrogate use.

In addition to the OSV, a separate pro-gram is under way to convert excessM901A1 (M113 FOV) improved TOW ve-hicles (ITVs) to serve as opposing forcessurrogate training system (OSTS)-mainbattle tank (MBT) vehicles. The OSTS-MBTis a tracked surrogate vehicle designed tooperationally and visually simulate threattanks during force-on-force training at theU.S. Army Combat Maneuver TrainingCenters at Fort Polk, La.; Fort Irwin, Calif.;and Hohenfels, Germany. The vehicle is anM113A3 chassis with an operational two-man turret equipped with simulatedweapon systems and visual modifications.

The Small-Unit Support Vehicle (SUSV)is the U.S. Army designation for theSwedish Bv206 all-terrain personnel car-rier. The SUSV is a full-tracked, diesel-powered, articulated vehicle in the one- totwo-ton payload category. The vehicle’sunique steering mechanism involves artic-ulation of the front and rear cars in relationto each other.

It is fielded in multiple configurations(M973A1 cargo carrier, M1065 commandpost, M1066 ambulance and M1067 flat -bed) primarily to units serving in or deployedto regions with heavy snowfall. The SUSV,however, is amphibious, and is equallymobile in marshy or swampy terrain.

WHEELED VEHICLES

The versatile High-Mobility, Multipur-pose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) providesa common, light tactical vehicle capability.The Humvee is the Army’s primary lightwheeled vehicle for combat support andcombat service support missions. TheHumvee replaced the quarter-ton jeep,M718A1 ambulance, half-ton Mule, 1.25-ton Gam ma Goat and M792 ambulancewhen it began fielding in 1985. Approxi-mately 20,000 Humvees of all variants (in-cluding most up-armored Humvees) arecurrently deployed in support of opera-tions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Humvee family of vehicles consistsof multiple configurations built on a com-mon chassis to support weapon systems,command and control systems and fieldambulances and to provide ammunition,troop and general cargo transport. It isequipped with a high-performance dieselengine, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It is air transportable andlow-velocity air drop (LVAD) certified (ex-cept for the maxi ambulance variants). The


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Humvee can be equipped with a self-re-covery hydraulic winch capable of up to10,500-pound 1:1 ratio line pull capacity,and it can support payloads from 2,500 to5,100 pounds (including crew and pintleloads), depending on the model.

The A1 model, which entered produc-tion in 1992, introduced upgraded drive-line components, heavy-duty rear springs,an improved brake system, a high-ratiotransfer and 2.73:1 front and rear differen-tials.

The subsequent introduction of the A2configuration brought with it a new 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated diesel engine; anelectronically controlled, four-speed auto-matic transmission; and a redesignedemissions system that met 1995 U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) stan-dards. Other features focused on usercomfort, vehicle maintainability and per-formance.

Further expansion of Humvee payloadcapacity has led to the development andintroduction of the expanded capacity ve-hicle (ECV), M1113 and the M1114 up-ar-mor Humvee (UAH). The ECV was pro-duced in 1995 as a shelter carrier provid-ing up to 5,100 pounds of payload. TheM1114 UAH configuration provides pro-

tection for the driver and three crew mem-bers from small-arms fire, overhead frag-mentation from artillery and mortar shellsand underbody from antipersonnel/anti-tank mines. It has a roof top weapon sta-tion which can accommodate an M60 ma-chine gun, M2 machine gun, Mk 19 gre -nade launcher or the M240/M249 weapon.Kits are available to enhance internal sur-vivability for the crew and gunner.

The newest variants of the Humveefamily, the M1151 Armament Carrier andthe M1152 Troop/Cargo/Shelter Carrier,began being delivered in late summer2005. These variants are built on a slightlymodified ECV chassis that enhances theirpayload capacity over the M1025 Arma-ment Carrier and M1097 Troop/Cargo/Shelter Carrier. The M1151 and M1152 arebeing configured during production for ei-ther field installation of add-on armorpackages as required by the mission or ar-mor to be installed during production. Atthe same time, A0 and A1 variants of theHumvee are being recapitalized at threesites (Red River Army Depot, LetterkennyArmy Depot and Maine Military Author-ity) to extend their useful life and improvetheir performance. These recapped Hum -vees are assigned an R1 designation for

identification. Currently, recap lines areproducing the M1097R1. Future plans willinclude all Humvee A0/A1 variants.

The Light Tactical Trailer (LTT) is theHumvee trailer. It has been tested and ap-proved (materiel released) for use in accor-dance with the Humvee mission profile.

The LTT comes in three variants: M1101(LTT-L), M1102 (LLT-H) and heavy chassis(LTT-HC).

The M1117 Armored Security Vehicle(ASV) supports the military police mis-sions of law enforcement, area security,battlefield circulation and enemy prisoner-of-war operations during wartime and op-erations other than war for corps-supportMP companies. In addition, the ASV willserve as the convoy protection platform(CPP).

The vehicle system is a turreted, ar-mored, all-wheel drive vehicle that pro-vides increased ballistic and land mineprotection. Its primary weapon is the Mk19 automatic grenade launcher, but it canalso mount the M2 .50-caliber machinegun. The fully enclosed turret includes aday/night sight for target acquisition. Thevehicle provides all-around heavy ma-chine gun protection for the crew compart-ment, weapon station and ammunitionstorage areas. The ASV provides overheadprotection against mortars and underbodyprotection against mines. In addition, thearmor provides overhead blast protectionfrom IEDs and artillery. Other survivabil-ity enhancements include gas-particulate,ventilated face pieces, a multisalvo gre -nade launcher, a crew/engine fire suppres-sion system, an intercom with radio inter-face, transparent armor and blackout capa-bility.

The ASV production contract for 94 ve-hicles was awarded on March 30, 1999,with options for up to 132 vehicles. Thefirst unit equipped was in October 2000.The contract was modified to include anadditional 265 vehicles in FY 2005. A newproduction contract for 724 systems wasawarded in June 2005. Currently 138 ASVsare deployed to Southwest Asia.Stryker Family of Vehicles. “We must

provide early entry forces that can operatejointly, without access to fixed forwardbases, but we still need the power to slug itout and win decisively.” This was the chal-lenge in 1999 given by then-Army Chief ofStaff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki. The responsewas brigade combat teams and the Strykerfamily of vehicles, the “vanguard forArmy transformation.”

The Army’s responsibility to satisfy21st-century requirements for effective fullspectrum operations requires an improvedcapability for the rapid deployment ofhighly integrated, combined arms forcespossessing overmatching capabilities, ex-ploiting the power of information and hu-man potential, and combining the advan-


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tages of both light and mecha-nized forces across the fullrange of military and nonmili-tary operations.

The Stryker was the firstnew combat vehicle to be ac-quired by the Army for morethan 20 years. The primary de-sign has two variants: theM1126 infantry carrier vehicle(ICV) and the XM1128 mobilegun system (MGS). The ICV isa troop transport vehicle capa-ble of carrying nine infantrysoldiers and their equipmentand requires a crew of two, adriver and a vehicle comman-der. There are eight other ICVconfigurations with combatservice and combat supportroles. Those configurations in-clude the M1130 commander’s vehicle, theM1127 reconnaissance vehicle, the M1131fire-support vehicle, the M1129 mortar car-rier/XM1129A1 mounted mortar carrier,the M1134 antitank guided missile vehicle,the M1132 engineer squad vehicle, theM1133 medical evacuation vehicle and theXM1135 nuclear-biological-chemical re-connaissance vehicle. The Stryker bri gadecombat team (SBCT) will also be furnishedwith the mobile gun system. The MGS,now under development, will be based onthe ICV but modified to incorporate a 105mm turreted gun, an autoloader systemand a crew of three.

The ICV is armed with a remote weap - ons station that supports the M2 .50-cal-iber machine gun or the Mk 19 automaticgrenade launcher, the M6 countermeasuredevice (smoke grenade launcher) and anintegrated thermal weapon sight. TheStryker supports communications suitesthat integrate the single-channel ground-and-air radio system radio family (SINC-GARS); enhanced position location report-ing system (EPLRS); Force XXI Battle Com-mand Brigade and Below (FBCB2); globalpositioning system (GPS); and high-fre-quency and near-term data radio systems.The Stryker provides up to 14.5 mm of bal-listic protection.

General Dynamics Land Systems pro-duces the Stryker, which is powered by a350-horsepower diesel engine, runs oneight wheels that possess a run-flat capa-bility and has a central tire inflation sys-tem. It also incorporates a vehicle heightmanagement system.

The U.S. Army’s requirements formedium tactical vehicles (2.5 tons to fivetons) are being met by a Family ofMedium Tactical Vehicles (FMTVs) de-signed to eliminate medium fleet opera-tional deficiencies long known but high-lighted during the Persian Gulf War.

The medium truck fleet has historicallyaccounted for more than half of the

Army’s single-lift payload capacity. In re-defining this vital fleet, Army plannerstook the opportunity to focus on a familyapproach; that is, to combine both 2.5-tonand five-ton payload classes into a singleacquisition program that would yield a lo-gistically significant degree of componentcommonality across all medium fleet vari-ants.

The Army’s requirement for mediumtrucks now is more than 83,000 vehicles.These vehicles are required across the en-tire spectrum of combat, combat supportand combat service support units. Theymust perform roles such as unit mobility,field feeding, water distribution, local andline-haul transportation, maintenanceplatforms, engineer operations, communi-cation systems, medical support and tow-ing artillery pieces. All medium vehiclesmust be capable of operating worldwideon primary and secondary roads, as wellas on trails, and cross-country in weatherextremes from -50 to +120 F.

The FMTV consists of light medium tac-tical vehicles (LMTVs) (2.5-ton payload)and medium tactical vehicles (MTVs)(five-ton payload) and comes in 14 differ-ent variants. There are cargo truck and vanversions of the LMTV. The MTV line in-cludes cargo, tractor, dump, expansiblevan, wrecker, long wheelbase cargo ver-sions, materiel-handling equipped (MHE)variants, and with or without a midship-mounted winch. Companion 2.5-ton and5-ton trailers (both airdrop certified) havereceived a materiel release with standardtype classification and are currently beingfielded to units worldwide. All FMTVvariants are required to be capable of all-mode transport, including C-130 aircraft.Cargo variants are Chinook helicoptersling-load-capable, and there are variantsspecifically designed to be deliverable bylow-velocity airdrop to meet the needs ofairborne operations.

The FMTV achieves extraordinary com-

monality by sharing many sub-systems and components in the4x4 (LMTV), 6x6 (MTV) andcompanion trailer configura-tions. The trucks share, for ex-ample, common engine assem-blies (with different horsepowerratings), cooling systems, trans-missions, intake and exhaustsystems, front axles and sus-pension systems, tires andwheels, cab assembly, vehicle

control gauges, self-recovery winches andmuch more. They differ primarily in num-ber of axles (two versus three) and stan-dard cargo bed size (12 feet versus 14 feet)to accommodate different payload ratings(2.5 tons versus five tons), as well as bodystyles.

The FMTV deviates from predecessorvehicle designs by having its tilt cab overthe engine. This design approach con-tributes to the Army’s goal of significantlyimproving the deployability of units, sincea typical FMTV vehicle is some 40 inchesshorter than the vehicle it replaces, requir-ing less space aboard deploying aircraft orsurface shipping. This reduced length alsocontributes to a shorter turning radius andbetter off-road mobility. Off-road mobilityis further enhanced by a standard centraltire inflation system (CTIS) and state-of-the-art suspension.

More than 4,000 FMTVs have been de-ployed to support Operation Iraqi Free-dom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Free-dom (OEF). To address OIF/OEF surviv-ability issues, bolt-on armor kits and low-signature armored cab replacement kitshave been developed. These armor solu-tions were produced and installed on mostmission-essential FMTVs in-theater.

The first multiyear production contractwith FMTV designer Stewart & Stevensoncovered approximately 11,400 vehicles (A0models) with the first unit being equippedat Fort Bragg, N.C., in January 1996. Sub-sequent fielding has been with the Army’shighest-priority units, including those lo-cated at Forts Campbell, Drum, Stewart,Hood, Lewis, Leonard Wood, Huachuca,Carson, Benning, Gordon and Jackson,and the U.S. Army Pacific.

In October 1998, the Army signed a sec-ond multiyear contract with Stewart &Stevenson for approximately 7,800 FMTVA1 model trucks and approximately 1,600trailers. Contract options have subse-quently been exercised to acquire addi-


Stryker vehicle with slat armor

tional trucks at discounted prices. TheFMTV A1s incorporate a higher horse-power, electronically controlled, Environ-mental Protection Agency-compliant en-gine with an exhaust brake to aid in brak-ing and cold weather start-up. Also new isan antilock brake system (ABS) to improveupon an already stellar safety record, a So-ciety of Automotive Engineers standardelectronic data bus (J1939) to further facili-tate platform digitization, and interactiveelectronic technical manuals (IETMs) toachieve “get it right the first time” fault di-agnosis. The Class V IETM permits use ofthe Army soldiers’ portable on-system re-pair tool (SPORT) and newest mainte-nance support device (MSD) test equip-ment with compact disks to replace morethan 28,000 pages of technical manualsthat would otherwise be needed. TheFMTV A1 first unit equipped (FUE) wasthe 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne),Fort Carson, Colo., in July 2000. Since FUE,more than 11,000 vehicles and 2,000 trail-ers have been fielded to units worldwide.

FMTVs figure prominently in the designof the Stryker brigade combat teams(SBCTs), being second only to the Humveein number of truck allocations. Contribut-ing to this prominence are FMTV virtueslike platform commonality, high reliability,ease of maintenance and added payloadcapacity with the new trailers. The FMTVtrailers being fielded offer the same dura-bility and reliability as the FMTV trucksand share payload capacities with theirprime movers; that is, a five-ton truck cantow a five-ton trailer to double its payloadwhile maintaining its substantial off-roadmobility and agility. To further enhancethe SBCT goal of reducing the logisticsfootprint, the FMTV trailers share many ofthe same features with FMTV trucks, in-cluding cargo bed dimensions (truck tarpsand bows will fit the trailer), tire andwheel assemblies, suspension componentsand interchangeable sideboards.

The new FMTV Load-Handling System(LHS) 8.8-ton variant (FMTV-LHS) is func-tionally similar to the 16.5-ton palletizedloading system (PLS) but will have a pay-load capacity more appropriate to otheruses, such as the transport of 7.5-ton med-ical shelters without the need of a flatrack.

The FMTV-LHS will include a compan-ion trailer capable of being loaded by theLHS truck and of carrying the same pay-loads. The LHS will include an onboardcontainer-handling unit to permit self-loading and off-loading of 20-foot Interna-tional Standards Organization (ISO) con-tainers (both eight- and 8.5-foot tall) andbe compatible with the Army’s standard flatracks (M1, M1077 and M3) for othercargo types.

The FMTV chassis has also been chosento serve as the platform for a number ofother developmental systems like the

high-mobility artillery rocket system (HI-MARS) and the 10-ton dump truck thatfeatures an increased capacity chassis tohandle increased weight and commercialdump body with a dual-cylinder, scissor-type hydraulic system.

In April 2003, Stewart & Stevenson Tac-tical Vehicle Systems was awarded theFMTV A1 rebuy contract, which covers7,063 trucks and 3,826 trailers with 100percent options. Production of these sys-tems is expected to carry through FY 2008.

In addition to the FMTV, the Army has alarge number of 2.5-ton and five-tonmedium vehicles in its legacy fleet. Virtu-ally all of the 2.5-ton trucks (pre-FMTV) inthe Army were acquired during the Viet-nam War. The five-ton fleet, by contrast,was in almost continuous production dur-ing the 1980s as the M939 series and is inbetter condition. The FMTV will eventu-ally replace all these vehicles as resourcespermit.

The Army’s M915-Series Line-HaulTrac tors operate on highways and sec-ondary roads to transport bulk suppliesand fuel to U.S. forces. The Army’s line-haul fleet consists of the M915, M915A1,M915A2, M915A3 and M915A4 vehicles.The latter three are based upon Freight-liner’s commercial FLD120 tractors and in-corporate transport industry technologiesfor safety, fuel efficiency and low operat-ing costs per mile.

The M915-series fleet of vehicles is foundprimarily in active and reserve componenttransportation units that are responsiblefor the rapid, efficient transport of bulksupplies from ocean ports to division sup-port areas within a theater of operation.

They are used primarily to transport theM871 semitrailer (flatbed, 22.5 tons), M872semitrailer (flatbed, 34 tons), M967/M969semitrailer (5,000-gallon tanker) andM1062 semitrailer (7,500-gallon tanker).The M915-series has a maximum grosscombined vehicle weight (GCVW) of105,000 pounds when operating with theM872 semitrailer.

The initial M915 and M915A1 line-haultractors were delivered to the Army from1979 to 1985. Both systems saw extensiveuse during Operation Desert Storm andthus far about 1,170 have been used in OIF.

The Army supplemented its line-haulfleet in 1989 when it awarded a new con-tract for the M915A2 6x4 line-haul tractorand the M916A1 6x6 light equipmenttransporter. Those vehicles entered theArmy fleet at the end of 1990. They werethe first Army vehicles to include antilockbrake systems (ABS).

In 1998, Freightliner worked with theArmy to update the line-haul tractor con-figuration to incorporate current commer-cial components and technologies. The re-sultant M915A3 includes an electronicallycontrolled Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine,

an Allison World transmission, Freight-liner’s proprietary “TufTrac” (mainte-nance-free suspension for enhanced off-road mobility), air conditioning and an in-tegrated collision warning system. TheArmy ordered 560 M915A3s and deliveriesbegan in 2000.

Concurrent with the M915A3 design ef-fort was an Army program to upgrade theaging fleet of M915 tractors that have en-tered their third decade of service. Work-ing with industry, the Army adopted thecommercial process of using glider kits asa cost-effective means of upgrading agingM915 tractors to the new M915A4 configu-ration. This program retains the originalengine and rear-axle bogie from the M915and installs them into the glider kit.

The resultant M915A4 line-haul tractorincorporates many of the M915A3 designfeatures, including ABS, an Allison Worldtransmission, air conditioning and an inte-grated collision warning system. A total of845 M915A4 tractors were recapitalizedfrom 2000-2003. This glider kit is being re-procured for the U.S. Army Reservethrough a Freightliner contract award inJune 2005 that will upgrade their remain-ing 500 M915 tractors to the M915A4 trac-tor configuration.

The M916A1, M916A2 and M916A3Light Equipment Transporters are 6x6tractors used primarily with the M870semitrailer (40-ton lowbed) to transportengineer construction equipment in local,line-haul and maintenance evacuationmissions under primary, secondary andoff-road conditions. They have an on-board winch capable of pulling engineerconstruction equipment onto the M870semitrailer. The maximum GCVW, whentowing the M870 40-ton semitrailer, is130,000 pounds. Freightliner has deliveredmore than 1,237 of these vehicles to theArmy since 1990. Approximately 1,210 ofthe 915/916s are currently deployed andsupporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to these light and mediumplatforms, several types of heavy tacticalwheeled vehicles are transforming to mod-ular designs consistent with the Strykerbrigade combat team. In FY 2004, theArmy began to implement the modulardesign in its active component divisions.These initial conversions served as proto-types to help accelerate the modular re-design and fielding of the current and Fu-ture Force. The heavy expanded-mobilitytactical truck (HEMTT) load-handling sys-tem (LHS), the container roll-in/roll-outplatform (CROP) and the container-han-dling unit (CHU) reduce the logistics foot-print of both modular Army units and theBCT. The 4th Infantry Division (Mecha-nized) became the first unit equipped withall these systems in late 2000.

The family of heavy tactical vehicles(FHTV) contract was awarded to Oshkosh


Truck Corp. in March 2001. It combinesHEMTT, HEMMTT Recap (recapitaliza-tion), PLS and HETS production underone contract. Currently, add-on armor cabkits are being developed and produced forthe HEMTT, PLS, HET tractor and theM915A2-A4 vehicles.

The Palletized Load System (PLS) is theprimary component of the maneuver-ori-ented ammunition distribution system.Roughly 1,000 PLSs are being used in OIF.It also performs local-haul, line-haul, unitresupply and other transportation mis-sions in the tactical environment. In addi-tion, it is used as the prime mover for theM7 forward repair system (FRS) and vari-ous engineer mission modules (M917dump truck, M918 bituminous spreaderand M919 concrete mixer). The PLS is alsothe host chassis for the dry support bridge(DSB) launcher vehicle (M1975).

The PLS consists of a 16.5-ton payloadtactical truck with a flatrack. It is a five-axle, 10-wheel drive vehicle with a 500-

horsepower Detroit Diesel engine, an Alli-son automatic transmission and a CTIS.This combination provides a highly mobilesystem able to transport its payload in vir-tually any type of terrain or weather andmaintain pace with the self-propelled ar-tillery systems that it supports. The PLScomes in two mission-oriented configura-tions: the M1074 and the M1075.

The M1074 is equipped with a variable-reach materiel-handling crane (MHC) tosupport forward deployed field artilleryunits. The M1075, without MHC, is usedin conjunction with the M1076 trailer tosupport transportation line-haul missions.Of the 3,500 PLS trucks that have beenfielded to date, approximately 1,000 are inOperation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

The M1076 PLS trailer is a three-axle,wagon-style trailer with a 16.5-ton pay-load capacity that is equipped with a flat -rack that is interchangeable between truckand trailer. The combination of truck andtrailer provides the combined payload ca-

pacity of 33 tons. The flatracks are lifted onand off the truck and trailer by a hy-draulic-powered arm mounted on thetruck, eliminating the need for additionalmateriel-handling equipment. The controlsfor the arm are located inside the cab, al-lowing the operator to load or unload thetruck in less than one minute without leav-ing the cab of the truck. The trailer can beloaded or unloaded in less than five min-utes using the remote-control arm.

The PLS can transport multiple cargoconfigurations by using a variety of flatracks. The M1077 and M1077A1 flatracksare sideless and used to transport pallets ofammunition and other classes of supplies.The M1 flatrack carries identical classes ofsupplies. It is ISO/CSC certified and suit-able for intermodal transport, includingtransport on container ships.

Ammunition can be loaded on the M1 atdepots, transported via container ship totheater, picked up by the PLS truck andcarried forward without using any ma-teriel-handling equipment. The walls foldinward when empty to facilitate stackingfor retrograde. The M3/M3A1 containerroll-in/out platform (CROP) is a flatrackthat fits inside a 20-foot ISO container. Thecontainer-handling unit (CHU) is a kit in-stalled on the PLS that allows the directload, transport and unload of 20-foot ISOcontainers without an external flatrack.

The Heavy Expanded-Mobility TacticalTruck (HEMTT) is the workhorse of Armycombat divisions. C-130 transportable, it isthe key combat service support enabler forthe SBCT. The 11-ton, eight-wheel drivefamily of vehicles is designed to operate inany climatic condition.

There are six basic configurations of theHEMTT-series trucks: the M977 cargo truck;M985 cargo truck with materiel-handlingcrane; the M978 2,500-gallon fuel tanker; theM983 tractor; the M984 wreck er; and the


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M1120 load-handling system (LHS). TheHEMTT is used as a prime mover for thePatriot missile system, M7 forward repairsystem (FRS) and tactical water purificationsystem (TWPS) and as the chassis for theM1977 common bridge transporter (CBT),M11428 tactical fire-fighting truck (TFFT)and XM1158 HEMTT-based water tender(HEWATT). The HEMTT is also compatiblewith the PLS trailer. A self-recovery winch isalso available on all models. An electroniccontroller for the engine and a new elec-tronic transmission were put into produc-tion in April 2002.

The HEMTT is augmented by theM989A1 heavy expanded munitions am-munition trailer (HEMAT) in the transportof multiple-launch rocket system family ofmunitions (MFOM). The HEMAT cantransport four MFOM pods, each weighingapproximately 5,400 pounds. The off-roadcapability of the HEMTT and HEMATcombination can transport eight MFOMpods. The M989A1 HEMAT is also re-quired to transport six standard ammuni-tion pallets (single stacked), two 600-gallonfuel pods, or two 500-gallon fuel bladders.

Approximately 13,000 HEMTTs havebeen fielded to date. Of the total fleet size,approximately 2,150 are currently in OIF.HEMTT production is funded through FY2011.

The HEMTT was designated as one ofthe 10 original Army life-cycle pilot pro-grams under Section 912c of the FY 1998National Defense Authorization Act, in-tended to demonstrate reduced life-cyclecosts through greater innovation through-out the product’s life cycle. The Army ap-proved the HEMTT Recap program base-line in October 2001. The goal of recapital-ization is the insertion of modern commer-cial technology to reduce operational andsupport costs, increase fleet readiness andmeet regulatory requirements. As the ben-efits of these improvements are verified,they were phased into production and re-cap vehicles. The HEMTT recap programwill recapitalize HEMTT vehicles to 0miles/0 hours and to the A2 configuration,which consists of bumper-to-bumper re-cap of the entire truck with the followingtechnology insertions: electronic engine,electronic transmission, air-ride seats,four-point seatbelts, bolt-together wheels,increased corrosion protection and an en-hanced electrical package. The HEMTTRecap program is also capable of convert-ing excess M977 cargo versions into M1120HEMTT-LHS versions to address currentshortfalls. The HEMTT Recap program iscurrently funded through FY 2020.

HEMTT A3 is an advanced technologyinsertion into the HEMTT vehicle that isunder evaluation to optimize compatibil-ity with C-130 aircraft capabilities and con-straints.

The M1977 Common Bridge Transporter(CBT) is a modified M977 HEMTT cargotruck equipped with a load-handling sys-tem (LHS). The M1977 CBT was designedto support the Engineer Corps in transport-ing bridging assets in the multi-role bridgecompanies (MRBC). The M1977 CBT loads,launches and retrieves the ribbon bridge,improved ribbon bridge and the heavy drysupport bridge using the bridge adapterpallet (BAP), equipped with a winch, whichcan be used to control launch bridge bays,but its primary use is to retrieve deployedbridge bays. The CBT is used as a primemover for the rapidly emplaced bridge sys-tem (REBS), which supports the SBCTs. TheCBT is equipped with a winch to assist inretrieving the deployed equipment.

The M1142 Tactical Firefighting Truck(TFFT) is a standard M977 HEMTT A2configured chassis with an add-on com-mercial firefighting package. This inte-grated firefighting package provides theTFFT with a Class I major firefighting ca-pability as defined by the National FireProtection Association (NFPA) 1901 and414 Standards. The TFFT has the sameelectronic engine, electronic transmission,air ride seats, four point seat belts, corro-sion protection upgrade, and bolt togetherwheels as the A2/A2R1 HEMTT.

The TFFT operates at isolated militaryinstallations and sites worldwide to re-spond to, suppress and extinguish aircraft,wildland and structural fires.

The TFFT will be fielded to engineerfirefighting detachments worldwide, andto the firefighting section of ordnance am-munition companies. The first unit wasequipped in January 2005.

The Heavy Equipment Transporter Sys-tem (HETS) deploys, transports, recoversand evacuates combat-loaded M1 tanksand other vehicles of similar weight to andfrom the battlefield. More than 2,300 havebeen deployed in OIF. The M1070 tractorand M1000 semitrailer replace the M911/M747 as the Army’s latest model HETS.

The M1070/M1000 HETS was devel-oped to accommodate the increased weightof the M1 Abrams family of main battletanks. The M1070 provides line-haul, local-haul and maintenance evacuation on andoff the road during tactical operationsworldwide. Unlike previous HETS, theM1070 is designed to carry both the tankand its crew. Approximately 2,311 HETShave been fielded to date. Developmentdesign of full up-armored cabs for theHEMTT, PLS and HETS tractor is inprogress.

FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEMS

The Future Combat System (FCS)equipped brigade combat team (BCT) isorganized in combat configurations to be100 percent mobile and completely self-sufficient for up to 72 hours of high-inten-sity contact upon delivery into the area ofoperations. Each FCS BCT echelon com-mander will have the combat leverage tomake contact with and defeat numericallysuperior forces employing equal or betterweapons systems. The brigade combinedarms teams down to platoon level willpossess systems that amplify their combateffectiveness: organic sensors, effects, in-telligence, surveillance and reconnaissance(ISR) capabilities and communication linksat each echelon to the joint command, con-trol, communications, computers, intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnaissance(C4ISR) system. The FCS BCT model pro-vides a communication connectivity that


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enables the brigade commander to syn-chronize his deployed elements so that hecan better shape the battlespace at the low-est levels. The FCS BCT will enable thecommander to execute the battle with su-perior situational understanding, shapethe battlefield with standoff precision firesand effects and ensure battlefield mobility.It will maximize the effectiveness of stand-off while maneuvering on a noncontigu-ous distributed battlefield against anadaptive threat.

To meet the requirements of tomorrow’swarfighters, the Army’s FCS program iscomposed of a joint system of systems con-nected via networked architecture and op-erating together in support of every indi-vidual soldier.

Sensors and MunitionsFCS Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS)

will provide a variety of remote-sensingcapabilities intended to enhance the Fu-ture Force commander’s intelligence pic-ture. As an integral component of the FCSlayered sensor network, the remotely de-ployable UGS will provide enhancedthreat warning, situational awareness andforce protection in both tactical and urbanenvironments for extended periods. Thesensor family will be a self-webbing, self-healing network capable of target detec-tion, location, tracking and aid in identifi-cation.

The FCS tactical UGS (T-UGS) will betailorable groups of sensors using multiplesensing technologies. The UGS field willbe capable of transmitting target or otherinformation back to a remote operatorand/or the common operating picture(COP) through the FCS BCT network. UGSwill be used to perform various missiontasks including perimeter defense, surveil-lance, target acquisition and situationalawareness, including chemical, biological,radiological and nuclear (CBRN) earlywarning and monitoring.

Urban UGS is a network-enabled, leave-behind reporting system that will bringforce protection into an urban setting andprovide residual protection for cleared ar-eas or for other military operations in ur-ban terrain (MOUT). Urban UGS will behand-employed by soldiers or by small ro-botic vehicles to monitor and provideearly warning and situational awarenessin urban terrain.

The suite of Sense Through the Wall(STTW) Systems will detect, locate and“see” personnel that are hidden behindnon-metallic walls, doors and other visibleobstructions. Future capabilities will in-clude concealed weapons and explosivesdetection. This capability has direct appli-cation to the U.S. Army, other services andSpecial Forces requirements for militaryoperations in urban terrain, prisoner/checkpoint screening, or hostage recovery

operations from both close-in and standoffdistance. In addition, this capability is en-visioned as technology that will supportlaw enforcement organizations. The initialrequirement for an STTW device is desig-nated for it to be mounted on the FCSsmall unmanned ground vehicle (SUGV).Also, requirements for handheld andstand-off variants are emerging.

The Intelligent Munitions System (IMS)is an unattended munitions system pro-viding both offensive battlespace shapingand defensive force protection capabilitiesfor the Future Force.

Non-Line-of-Sight Launch Systems(NLOS-LS)

The Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System(NLOS-LS) is capable of providing preci-sion non-line-of-sight fires for the U.S.Army’s modular and Future Force as wellas special operations forces. NLOS-LS is anunmanned, platform independent, self-contained weapon system capable of au-tonomous or man-in-the-loop operations.Products under development include aprecision attack missile, loitering attackmissile and an auton o mous containerlaunch unit (CLU). Both missiles and theCLU contain “networked data links” en-abling in-flight retargeting and missionupdates. NLOS-LS will be interoperablewith current and Future Force C2 systems.

NLOS-LS (PAM and CLU) have been ac-celerated by the Army and selected for in-clusion in FCS “Spin Out 1” in 2008.NLOS-LS has joint service applicabilityand has been selected by the Navy for in-clusion in the littoral combat ship (LCS)and unmanned surface vehicle (USV)weapon mission module concepts.

The Precision Attack Missile (PAM) is adirect attack missile that is seven inches indiameter and weighs about 120 poundsand will be effective against moving andstationary targets at ranges from 40 to 60kilometers. It will include a variable thrustmotor, dual-mode precision uncooled in-frared/semi-active laser seeker and a largemulti-mode warhead effective againstboth hard and soft targets.

The Loitering Attack Missile (LAM) isan expendable loitering, hunter-killer thatis also seven inches in diameter andweighs about 120 pounds. It will be capa-ble of searching a large area using a laserradar (LADAR) seeker with automatic tar-get recognition. It will have a 30-minuteloiter time at 70 kilometers capability us-ing a micro turbojet engine and a warheadpayload.

Raytheon Missiles Systems Companyand Lockheed Martin Missiles and FireControl formed the NetFires LLC, a lim-ited liability company, to pursue missileand launcher development and produc-tion for the U. S. Army’s non-line-of-sightlaunch system, previously known as Net-

Fires (DARPA). The founding companieswill jointly manage the LLC. The NetFiresLLC is under contract to the Army’sNLOS-LS Task Force, a part of PEO Mis-siles and Space of Huntsville, Ala., forSDD (system development and demon-stration) of PAM, LAM and CLU. All ele-ments have been successfully demon-strated under DARPA (Defense AdvancedResearch Projects Agency) contracts. Al-though the two missiles have significantlydifferent mission profiles, they operate aspart of a system that includes a commonlauncher.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems(UAVS)

The commander’s requirement for en-hancing surveillance throughout the FCSBCT requires a strong suite of systems.These systems are organic to the unit andits subordinate organizations, functioningunder a tiered approach. UAVSs are partof this approach, enabling air-to-air, air-to-ground and ground-to-air teaming.

The tiered system is expressed in termsof the class of UAVS that corresponds tothe unit echelon they normally support:Class I UAVS—platoon level; Class IIUAVS—company level; Class III UAVS—battalion level; and Class IV UAVS—brigade level.

The Class I UAVS is controlled and op-erated at the platoon level within the FCSBCT and serves to provide the soldier situ-ational awareness in diverse terrain. TheClass I UAVS is deployed as a system con-sisting of at least two air vehicles, an oper-ator interface and all necessary equipmentfor operations, transport and routinemaintenance. The Class I UAVS consists ofthe unmanned aerial vehicle system, asupport platform (legacy or future U.S.Army wheeled transport vehicle) and acommand and control interface. In April2004, the commanding general of TRA -DOC approved the requirement to fieldRaven or a Raven-like capability for themodular brigades and FCS-equipped UAsas an interim capability until micro air ve-hicle technology is available.

The Class II UAVS is controlled and op-erated at the company level within the FCSBCT and serves to provide reconnaissance,security/early warning, target acquisitionand designation for the infantry companyand MCS platoon in support of line-of-sight/beyond line-of-sight (LOS/BLOS)and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) cooperativeengagements. The Class II UAVS consistsof the UAVS, as part of a FCS BCT vehiclewith an on-board command and control in-terface. The Class II UAVS is an integratedcomponent of the FCS BCT weapon sys-tems. During assaults, the UAVS will bedeployed or redirected in real time as re-quired by the FCS BCT. Through UAVScontrol consoles, UAVS data will be linked


through the existing C4I network to an ex-tended group of users. The Class II UAVSis a vehicle-mounted system that will pro-vide the infantry company with enhanceddedicated imagery. The Class II UAVS AVwill have an operational endurance of onehour out to a range of six kilometers. InApril 2004, the commanding general ofTRADOC approved the requirement tocontinue development of an organic air ve-hicle to meet Class II UAVS requirements.

The Class III UAVS is a multifunctionaerial system capable of providing recon-naissance, security/early warning, targetacquisition and designation for precisionfires, throughout the battalion area of in-fluence by remotely over-watching and re-porting changes in key terrain, avenues ofapproach and danger areas in open androlling, restrictive and urban areas. Theaerial system will provide informationfrom operating altitudes and standoffranges in both day/night and adverseweather. The aerial system will be capableof communication relay, detecting mines,chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear(CBRN) detection, and meteorological sur-vey for the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) bat-talion to deliver precision fires. All sensorsdo not have to be carried simultaneouslyas a package, with the exception of the me-teorological sensor (embedded). The AVwill, however, be capable of carrying anEO/IR package and/or target acquisition/designation. A Class III UAVS consists ofthese basic elements: air vehicles (AV) withpayloads, launch and recovery system,mobility platforms and transport contain-ers for the systems. The Class III UAVS AVwill have an operational endurance of sixhours on-station at a range of 40 kilome-ters. In April 2004, the commanding gen-eral of TRADOC approved the require-

ment to use an increased capabilityShadow UAV as threshold capability forIncrement 1 FCS Class III UAVS.

The Class IV UAVS will provide the ca-pability to impart reconnaissance, secu-rity/early warning, long endurance persis-tent stare, target acquisition and designa-tion, and wide area surveillance that hasthe ability to team with air-ground forcesthroughout the FCS BCT. The aerial sys-tem will provide information from operat-ing altitude and standoff range in day andnight and adverse weather. The aerial sys-tem will be capable of acting as a commu-nication relay, performing emitter map-ping, performing CBRN detection, assist-ing with battle damage assessment (BDA)and performing meteorological surveysfor the unit of action throughout thebrigade’s area of influence.

The FCS lead systems integrator and theArmy selected the Fire Scout RQ-8B as theClass IV UAV. The Fire Scout is a verticaltake-off and landing (VTOL) UAV. The sys-tem will integrate a training sensor, humid-ity sensor, joint tactical radio system (JTRS)two-channel radio for aerial vehicle com-mand and control, and the following plugand play mission equipment packages:EO/IR/laser designator rangefinder (LDRF),synthetic aperture radar (SAR)/movingtarget indicator (MTI), chemical, biological,radiological, nuclear (CBRN), signal intelli-gence (SIGINT) and communications relay.The RQ-8A model Fire Scout is an im-proved version of the basic RQ-8A model,which incorporates the following features:four-blade enhanced airfoil main rotor sys-tem, increased fuel capacity, upgradedgearbox rating and improved tail rotor. TheRQ-8B Fire Scout is being integrated intothe unit of action as part of the program’ssystem development and demonstration.

The RQ-8B Fire Scout air vehicle will be de-veloped in a collaborative effort with theNavy. The Army will use the Navy’s con-tract to procure the air vehicles. Both ser-vices will have unique command and con-trol integration contracts. FCS deliveriesare scheduled to begin in FY 2007 with lim-ited user test (LUT) starting in FY 2008leading to an initial operational capability(IOC) in FY 2011.

NLOS CannonThe Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-

C) will provide networked, extended-range targeting and precision attack ofpoint and area targets with a suite of muni-tions that will include special-purpose ca-pabilities. Cannon artillery remains theonly immediate response, 24-hour all-weather fire support for ground forces, andrecent combat experiences in Iraq andAfghanistan have reconfirmed this fact. Asthe Army reorganizes for the future, revo-lutionary cannon technologies, such asthose found in NLOS-C, will make cannonartillery even more precise, mobile andlethal, and it will exponentially reduce theArmy's logistics tail.

Designed by BAE Systems, the NLOS-Cis the lead manned ground vehicle of theArmy's FCS program. The developmentschedule calls for the first NLOSC Incre-ment 0 prototypes to be delivered in 2008for testing with the U.S. Army's FCS BCT.

During the first stage in NLOS-C devel-opment, BAE Systems designed and builtthe NLOS-C Concept Technology Demon-strator (CTD). The CTD is a fully auto-mated, 24-ton, 38-caliber, 155-mm self-pro-pelled howitzer test platform that has firedmore than 2,000 rounds at Yuma ProvingGround, Ariz.

The CTD features a fully automated am-


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The Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAVS) serves as threshold capability for Increment 1 FCS Class III UAVS.

munition handling system, with a maga-zine capable of holding 24 projectiles.

In November 2003, BAE Systems incor-porated tactical software onto the CTD tointegrate its robotic ammunition handlingand auto-loading systems to create a fullyautomated 155 mm cannon system that en-ables a two-person crew to achieve what ittakes five soldiers to accomplish on thebattlefield. Within a month following inte-gration, BAE Systems used the tacticalsoftware to successfully complete an eight-round fire mission at a rate of six roundsper minute, marking the first time a fullyautomated cannon had been fired usingtactical software.

The CTD's chassis uses band track pro-pelled by a drive system with a diesel en-gine and hybrid electric propulsion systemdesigned to improve mobility and reducefuel consumption.

The CTD provided an early demonstra-tion of the capabilities, performance andtechnologies that will be incorporated intothe NLOS-C prototype and production ve-hicles. Throughout 2006, BAE Systems willmake the transition from test firing theCTD to testing and integrating new hard-ware for the objective NLOS-C Increment0 prototypes scheduled for delivery in2008.

The NLOS-C firing platform, an earlytest asset for the common mission equip-ment, will be delivered to Yuma ProvingGround in late 2006 to begin testing andqualification of the ultra-lightweight can-non and breech.

NLOS MortarThe Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar (NLOS-

M) will provide close fire support of tacti-cal maneuver that includes destructiveand special purpose fires.

The NLOS-M is being designed by BAESystems as a semiautomated, single-tube,120 mm smoothbore turreted mortar with

a four-person crew in a quad-seatingarrangement. The breech-loaded NLOS-Mwill have a range of eight kilometers, max-imum rate of fire of 16 rounds per minuteand a sustained rate of fire of eight roundsper minute.

With its 360-degree traversing turret andability to carry 60 rounds in on board am-munition magazines, the NLOS-M willwork as part of a NLOS-M battery, firingprecision-guided mortar munitions anddelivering lethal fires to destroy high pay-off and most dangerous targets and pro-vide area suppression in support of ma-neuver companies and platoons.

The NLOS-M is being designed to maxi-mize commonality with the NLOS-C chas-sis and mission equipment to minimizemaintenance and logistics.

Ground VehiclesThe Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV) will

come in two variants: the assault variantand the reconnaissance, surveillance andtarget acquisition (RSTA) variant. The twovariants will share a common chassis.

The Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle(SUGV) is a small, lightweight, man -portable UGV that will be capable of con-ducting mili tary operations in urban ter-rain, tun nels, sewers and caves.

The Multifunctional Utility/Logisticsand Equipment (MULE) Vehi cle is a 2.5-ton unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) thatwill support dismounted operations. Itwill consist of four major components: mo-bility platform or common chassis; auto no -mous navigation system; operator controlunit; and mission equipment packages.

The Mounted Combat System (MCS)will provide direct and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) offensive firepower capabil-ity allowing FCS BCTs to close with anddestroy enemy forces in support of the op-erations plan. The mounted combat sys-tem (MCS) will deliver precision fires at a

rapid rate to destroy multiple targets atstandoff ranges quickly and complementthe fires of other systems in the FCS-equipped unit.

The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) willeffectively employ weapon systems andrapidly maneuver during blackout, dayand night operations, inclement weatherand limited visibility periods. It will alsodeliver the dismounted force to the closebattle and support the squad by providingself-defense and supporting fires. The ICVwill consist of four platform versions: com -pany commander; platoon leader; riflesquad; and weapons squad.Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicles

(RSVs) will feature a suite of advancedsensors to detect, locate, track, classify andautomatically identify targets from in-creased standoff ranges under all climaticconditions, day or night. Included in thissuite will be a mast-mounted, long-rangeelectro-optic infrared sensor, an emittermapping sensor for radio frequency (RF)intercept and direction finding, remotechemical detection, and a multifunctionRF sensor.

The systems will also feature the on-board capability to conduct automatic tar-get detection, aided target recognition andlevel one sensor fusion and will beequipped with unattended ground sensors(UGS), a small unmanned ground vehicle(SUGV) with various payloads and twounmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Command and Control Vehicle(C2V) platform will provide for informa-tion management of the integrated net-work of communications and sensor capa-bility within the FCS BCT and provide thetools for commanders to synchronize theirknowledge of combat power with the hu-man dimension of leadership.

The Medical Vehicle (MV) is designedto provide advanced trauma life supportwithin one hour to critically injured soldiers.

The medical vehicle-evacuation (MV-E)platform will allow trauma specialists, ma-neuvering with combat forces, to be closerto the casualty’s point-of-injury and willbe used for casualty evacuation while themedical vehicle-treatment (MV-T) versionwill enhance the ability to provide ad-vanced trauma management/advancedtrauma life support treatments and proce-dures forward for more rapid casualty in-tervention and clearance of the battle-space.

The Recovery and Maintenance Ve hicle(RMV) will contribute to sustaining andgenerating the combat power of the FutureForce structure.


Non-line-of-sight cannon demonstrator

Documents

Contamination Avoidance€¦ · ders with nuclear radiation detection equipment, allowing them to fight effec-tively and survive on the nuclear battle-field. It also minimizes nuclear