FCS 18+1+1 White Paper
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 15 October 2004

WHITE PAPER

1. Purpose: To provide an overview of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program

2. Facts:

a. Future Combat Systems (FCS) is a joint (across all the military services) networked (connected via

advanced communications) system of systems (one large system made up of 18 individual systems, the

network, and most importantly, the Soldier). Future Combat Systems are connected via an advanced

network architecture that will enable levels of joint connectivity, situational awareness and

understanding, and synchronized operations heretofore unachievable. FCS will operate as a System of

Systems (SoS) that will network existing systems, systems already under development, and systems to

be developed to meet the requirements of the Army’s Future Force Unit of Action (UA).

b. Future Combat Systems includes 18+1+1 systems consisting of unattended ground sensors (UGS);

two unattended munitions, the Non-Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS) and Intelligent

Munitions System (IMS); four classes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) organic to platoon,

company, battalion and Unit of Action (UA) echelons; three classes of unmanned ground vehicles, the

Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV), Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), and Multifunctional

Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE); and the eight manned ground vehicles (18

individual systems); plus the network (18+1); plus the Soldier (18+1+1).

c. FCS is the core building block of the Army’s Future Force. The FCS-equipped Unit of Action

(UA) will consist of three FCS-equipped Combined Arms Battalions (CABs), a Non-Line-of-Sight

(NLOS) Cannon Battalion, a Reconnaissance Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) Squadron, a

Forward Support Battalion (FSB), a Brigade Intelligence and Communications Company (BICC), and

a Headquarters Company. The FCS-equipped UAs will be the Army’s future tactical warfighting

echelon; a dominant ground combat force that complements the dominant Joint team. Although

optimized for offensive operations, the FCS-equipped Unit of Action (UA) will have the ability to

execute a full spectrum of operations. FCS will improve the strategic deployability and operational

maneuver capability of ground combat formations without sacrificing lethality or survivability.

d. FCS will use evolutionary acquisition to develop, field, and upgrade FCS throughout its lifecycle.

On 22 July 2004, Army officials announced plans to accelerate the delivery of selected Future Combat

Systems to the Current Force. The plan expands the scope of the program's System Development and

Demonstration (SDD) phase by adding four discrete “spirals” of capabilities at two year increments for

the Current Forces. Spiral 1 will begin fielding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and consist of prototypes

fielded to the Evaluation Brigade Combat Team (BCT) for their use and evaluation. Following

successful evaluation, production and fielding of Spiral 1 will commence to Current Force units in

2010. This process will be repeated for each successive spiral. By 2014, the Army force structure will

include one Unit of Action (UA) equipped with all 18 + 1 FCS core systems and additional Modular

Units of Action with embedded FCS capability. This is the centerpiece of this adjustment: providing

the Current Force with FCS capability sooner rather than later.

e. FCS is now in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. The FCS acquisition

program was approved by the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) in May 03. FCS requirements and

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) were revalidated by the Army Requirements Oversight Council

(AROC) 30 June 2004. Presentation for Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) review and
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approval is scheduled for 14 October 2004. A DAB Review is scheduled for 18 November 2004. FCS

has been designated a Joint Services program with an Army and Marine Joint Program Office (JPO)

being established.

3. Points of Contact: COL Robert Beckinger, TRADOC System Manager (TSM) FCS, (502) 524-

3321, and Mr. Bill White, PM Unit of Action (UA) Operations Director, (586) 574-8631.

For additional information about the FCS program via the Web, refer to the January-February 2004

FCS-theme issue of the Army Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (AL&T) magazine which can be

downloaded from http://asc.army.mil/pubs/alt/default.cfm (use the “Browse Back Issues” menu to

select the January-February 2004 issue).
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FCS Network

OVERVIEW OF THE 18+1+1 FCS SYSTEMS

1. The Future Combat Systems Network

The Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS)

network allows the FCS Family-of-Systems (FoS)

to operate as a cohesive system-of-systems where

the whole of its capabilities is greater than the sum

of its parts. As the key to the Army’s

transformation, the network, and its logistics and Embedded Training (ET) systems, enable the Future

Force to employ revolutionary operational and organizational concepts. The network enables Soldiers

to perceive, comprehend, shape, and dominate the future battlefield at unprecedented levels as defined

by the FCS Operational Requirements Document (ORD).

The FCS network consists of four overarching building blocks: System-of-Systems Common

Operating Environment (SOSCOE); Battle Command (BC) software; communications and computers

(CC); and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) systems. The four building blocks

synergistically interact enabling the Future Force to see first, understand first, act first and finish

decisively.

System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE)

Central to FCS network implementation is the System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment

(SOSCOE), which supports multiple mission-critical applications independently and simultaneously. It

is configurable so that any specific instantiation can incorporate only the components that are needed

for that instantiation. SOSCOE enables straightforward integration of separate software packages,

independent of their location, connectivity mechanism and the technology used to develop them.

System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE) architecture uses commercial offthe-shelf hardware and a Joint Tactical Architecture–Army compliant operating environment to

produce a nonproprietary, standards-based component architecture for real-time, near-real-time, and

non-real-time applications. System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE) also

contains administrative applications that provide capabilities including login service, startup, logoff,

erase, memory zeroize, alert/emergency restart and monitoring/control. The System-of-Systems

Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE) framework allows for integration of critical

interoperability services that translate Army, Joint, and coalition formats to native, internal FCS

message formats using a common format translation service. Because all interoperability services use

these common translation services, new external formats will have minimal impact on the FCS

software baseline. The FCS software is supported by application-specific interoperability services that

act as proxy agents for each Joint and Army system. Battle Command (BC) can access these

interoperability services through application program interfaces that provide isolation between the

domain applications, thereby facilitating ease of software modifications and upgrades.

Battle Command (BC) Software

Battle Command (BC) mission applications include: mission planning and preparation, situation

understanding, BC and mission execution and warfighter-machine interface (WMI). These four

software packages’ combined capabilities enable full interaction among the FCS-equipped Units of

Action (UAs). Battle Command (BC) capabilities will be common to, and tightly integrated into, all
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FCS, and will share a common framework to achieve the long-desired goal of an integrated and

interoperable system with no hardware, software or information stovepipes.

The Mission Planning and Preparation package consists of 16 services embedded within System-ofSystems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE). They support the development of deliberate,

anticipatory and rapid-response plans; the ability to perform plan assessments and evaluations; terrain

analysis; mission rehearsals; and after-action reviews for the Unit of Action (UA). As an example of

the capabilities provided by this package, consider the FCS-networked fires key performance

parameter (KPP). This package’s predictive planning capabilities pre-approve airspace for

weapons/munitions to target pairings so that when the decision to engage a target is made, the

available weapons/munitions are already understood.

The 10 Situation Understanding package’s services allow warfighters to better comprehend the

battlespace and gain information superiority. The package includes map information and situational

awareness (SA) database maintenance, which performs fusion as follows:

• Situation refinement that fuses spatial and temporal relationships among objects, grouping objects

and abstract interpretation of the patterns in the order of battle.

• Threat refinement that combines activity with capability of enemy forces, infers enemy intentions and

performs threat assessment.

• Process refinement that monitors the fusion process itself, assesses the accuracy of the fusion process

and regulates the acquisition of data to achieve optimal results.

The Battle Command (BC) and Mission Execution package contains planning and decision aids that

assist the commander in making quick, informed and accurate decisions to best prosecute the battle.

These services are fully independent of mode — training, rehearsal or operational — and are intended

to support manual to autonomous operations.

The warfighter-machine interface (WMI) package provides the capabilities to present Soldier

information and receive Soldier information. WMI provides a common user interface across multiple

platforms supporting the common crew station and “personal digital assistant” display system. It

considers parameters such as echelon, type of system being used, and the warfighter’s role to tailor

information presentation.

Communications and Computers (CC) Systems

The FCS Family-of-Systems (FoS) are connected to the command, control, communications,

computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network by a multilayered

Communications and Computers (CC) network with unprecedented range, capacity and dependability.

The Communications and Computers (CC) network provides secure, reliable access to information

sources over extended distances and complex terrain. The network will support advanced

functionalities such as integrated network management, information assurance and information

dissemination management to ensure dissemination of critical information among sensors, processors

and warfighters both within, and external to the FCS-equipped organization.

The Communications and Computers (CC) network does not rely on a large and separate infrastructure

because it is primarily embedded in the mobile platforms and moves with the combat formations. This

enables the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and
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reconnaissance (C4ISR) network to provide superior Battle Command (BC) on the move to achieve

offensive-oriented, high-tempo operations.

The FCS communication network is comprised of several homogenous communication systems such

as Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Clusters 1 and 5 with Wideband Network Waveform (WNW)

and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), Network Data Link and Warfighter Information

Network–Tactical (WIN-T). FCS leverages all available resources to provide a robust, survivable,

scalable and reliable heterogeneous communications network that seamlessly integrates ground,

nearground, airborne and space-borne assets for constant connectivity and layered redundancy.

Every FCS vehicle in the Unit of Action (UA) will be equipped with a 4- or 8-channel Joint Tactical

Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 1. Soldiers and other weight and power-constrained platforms will be

equipped with a 1- or 2-channel Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 5. In addition to the

Wideband Network Waveform (WNW) and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) communications

backbone, the software programmable Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) will support other

waveforms to ensure current force Joint, Interagency and Multinational (JIM) interoperability. The

WIN-T will provide additional communications capability within the Unit of Action (UA), as well as

reach to echelons above — intra- and inter-Unit of Action (UA), and UA to Unit of Employment (UE)

—and range extension.

The FCS Network Management System manages the entire Unit of Action (UA) network including

radios with different waveforms, platform routers, and local area networks (LANs), information

assurance elements, and hosts. It provides a full spectrum of management capabilities required during

all mission phases, including pre-mission planning, rapid network configuration upon deployment in

the area of operations, monitoring the network during mission execution and dynamic adaptation of

network policies in response to network performance and failure conditions.

FCS will employ an integrated computer system to host the System-of-Systems Common Operating

Environment (SOSCOE), ensure common processing, support networking and employ consistent data

storage/retrieval across all FCS platforms and applications. The integrated computer system consists of

processors, storage media, dynamic memory, input/output devices, local area networks (LANs) and

operating systems. A suite of seven computing system types have been identified to meet the various

FCS platform-specific requirements for security, processing capability, computational capacity,

throughput, memory, size, weight and power.

Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR)

A distributed and networked array of multispectral intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR)

sensors provides FCS with the ability to “see first.” Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance

(ISR) assets within the Unit of Action (UA) — as well as those external to the Unit of Action (UA) and

at higher echelons — will provide timely and accurate situational awareness (SA), enhance

survivability by avoiding enemy fires, enable precision networked fires, and maintain contact

throughout engagement. FCS will process real-time ISR data, outputs from survivability systems,

situational awareness (SA) data and target identification information to update the common operating

picture (COP) containing information on friendly forces, battlespace objects (BSOs), BSO groupings

and their associated intent, threat potential and vulnerabilities. The real-time distribution and

dissemination of information and data are reliant on robust, reliable, and high-capacity network data

links.
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To provide warfighters with actionable information, the data from the various distributed intelligence,

reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) and other sensor assets are subject to complex data processing,

filtering, correlation, aided target recognition and fusion. The Sensor Data Management (SDM)

software organizes all the sensor data — including detection reports — and tracks information as

received from the sensor packages. Data are then processed and fused to synthesize information about

the object, situation, threat and ongoing intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) processes.

In addition to receiving data from FCS organic sensors, Sensor Data Management (SDM) has the

capability to receive sensor data from nonorganic sources including, current forces and Joint,

Interagency, and Multinational (JIM). Sensor Data Management (SDM) will perform sensor data

format conversions to output the data in FCS standard data formats.

Networked Logistics Systems

The key to the success of the FCS is the Networked Logistics Systems integrated through the Familyof-Systems (FOS) to achieve the logistics goals of reducing the logistics footprint, enhancing

deployability, increasing operational availability, and reducing total ownership costs. These critical

program goals are included in the two logistics Key Performance Parameters (KPP), KPP 4

(Transportability/Deployability) and KPP 5 (Sustainability/Reliability). Inherent to meeting these

KPPs is the integration of logistics in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence,

surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network primarily through the Platform-Soldier Mission

Readiness System (PSMRS) and the Logistics Decision Support System (LDSS). These systems

provide unprecedented logistics information and decision tools to the commanders and logisticians by

enabling the distribution system to deliver the right stuff to the right place at the right time. The

networked logistics is further enabled by the demand reduction technologies designed into the System

of Systems. Increased Reliability Availability Maintainability – Test (RAM-T) goals and

implementing a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) support concept through extensive up front

systems engineering efforts will result in increased Operational Availability and significant decreases

in both parts and maintenance personnel while generating increased combat power for the Soldiers.

Embedded Training

The FCS network facilitates the Soldier’s ability to train anywhere, any time. Technology has matured

to a level that supports these requirements. Embedded Training (ET) will be developed as an integral

part of the FCS manned platform and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence,

surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) architectures.

The Embedded Live-Virtual-Constructive (L-V-C) Training is the cornerstone of the networked

Embedded Training (ET) and will satisfy the Key Performance Parameter (KPP#6) which states “The

FCS Family of Systems (FoS) must have an embedded individual and collective training capability that

supports live, virtual, and constructive training environments.” Embedded Training (ET) must be

designed-in at the start of the program to ensure it is developed in conjunction with the other FCS

System of Systems (SoS) components. To do otherwise would lead to needless duplication of software

development, potential negative training as a result of inevitable baseline divergence (as training tries

to keep pace with operational software functionality) and additional space/weight/power claims for

training. To fulfill the Operational and Organizational (O&O) concepts, the System of Systems (SoS)

must be capable of supporting operations, mission rehearsal and training of separate audiences

(soldiers, units, leader/staff teams) simultaneously.
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UGS

NLOS-LS

2. Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS)

The FCS Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) program is divided into two

major subgroups of sensing systems: Tactical-UGS (T-UGS), which includes

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)-UGS and Chemical,

Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)-UGS; and Urban-UGS (UUGS), also known as Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT)

Advanced Sensor System. The intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

(ISR)-UGS will be modular and composed of tailorable sensor groups using

multiple ground-sensing technologies. An Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) field will include lowcost, expendable and multimode sensors for target detection, location and classification; and an

imaging capability for target identification. A sensor field will also include a gateway node to provide

sensor fusion and long-haul communications capability for transmitting target or other information to a

remote operator, or the common operating picture through the FCS Unit of Action (UA) Network. The

Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) can be used to perform mission tasks such as perimeter defense,

surveillance, target acquisition and situational awareness (SA), including Chemical, Biological,

Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) early warning.

Urban-Unattended Ground Sensors (U-UGS) will provide a leave-behind, network-enabled reporting

system for situational awareness (SA) and force protection in an urban setting, as well as residual

protection for cleared areas of Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments.

They can be hand-employed by Soldiers or robotic vehicles either inside or outside buildings and

structures.

3. Non Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS)

The Non-Line-of-Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS) consists of a family

of missiles and a highly deployable, platform-independent Container

Launch Unit (C/LU) with self-contained tactical fire control electronics

and software for remote and unmanned operations. Each Container

Launch Unit (C/LU) will consist of a computer and communications

system and 15 missiles [Precision Attack Missiles (PAM) and Loitering

Attack Missiles (LAM)].

Precision Attack Missiles (PAM) is a modular, multimission, guided missile with two trajectories — a

direct-fire or fast-attack trajectory, and a boost-glide trajectory. The missile will receive target

information prior to launch, and can receive and respond to target location updates during flight. The

Precision Attack Missiles (PAM) will support laser-designated, laser-anointed and autonomous

operation modes and will be capable of transmitting near-real-time information in the form of target

imagery prior to impact. Precision Attack Missiles (PAM) is being designed to defeat heavy armored

targets.

Loitering Attack Missiles (LAM) will provide imagery for area search, surveillance, targeting and

battle damage assessment (BDA), and could serve as an airborne radio transmission platform for other

system missiles, as well identifying high-payoff targets for missile attack. Loitering Attack Missiles

(LAM) will be capable of flying to extended ranges with significant loiter time at its maximum range.

Mission data can be preprogrammed or changed in flight, and imagery information can be provided to
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CLASS I UAV

multiple common ground systems. Current target requirements for Loitering Attack Missiles (LAM)

are for high-fleeting, high-value targets.

4. Intelligent Munitions System

The Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) is an unattended munitions system

providing both offensive battlespace shaping and defensive force protection

capabilities for the Future Force. The Intelligent Munitions System (IMS)

is a system of lethal and nonlethal munitions integrated with robust

command and control features, communications devices, sensors and

seekers that make it an integral part of the Future Combat Systems

network’s core systems.

Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) provides unmanned terrain dominance, economy of force and risk

mitigation for the warfighting commander. Typical missions include:

• Isolating enemy forces, objectives, and areas of decisive operations.

• Creating lucrative targets, and engaging them or cueing other fires.

• Filling gaps in the noncontiguous battlespace.

• Controlling noncombatant movement with its nonlethal capabilities.

With its reduced footprint, Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) can be delivered by various means, and

once on the ground, locate itself, organize all of its components and report its location to the Battle

Command Mission Execution (BCME). It will be under positive control of the BCME, one of the FCS

command and control applications. The munition field can be armed, turned off to allow friendly

passage, then rearmed to resume its mission. This on-off-on capability allows it to be recoverable,

further reducing its logistics footprint. Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) will not become a residual

hazard; it will self-destruct on command or at a preset time interval. It will also be tamper resistant.

5. Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) provides the dismounted

soldier Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA).

Weighing less than 15 pounds, the air vehicle operates in complex urban and

jungle terrains with a vertical take-off and landing capability. It is

interoperable with selected ground and air platforms and controlled by

dismounted soldiers. The Class I uses autonomous flight and navigation, but

it will interact with the network and Soldier to dynamically update routes

and target information. It provides dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the smallest

echelons of the Unit of Action (UA) in environments not suited to larger assets. It will also perform

limited communications relay in restricted terrain, a tremendous deficit in current operations.

The system (which includes two air vehicles, a control unit, and parts) is back-packable, weighs 40

pounds, and can remain in flight for up to 60 minutes.

Intelligent

Munitions System
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CLASS IV UAV

6. Class II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Class II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has twice the endurance and

a wider range of capabilities than the Class I. It is a multifunctional aerial

system possessing the Vertical Take-Off and Landing capability. It

supports the Infantry and Mounted Combat System Company Commanders

with reconnaissance, security/early warning, target acquisition and

designation. The Class II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will be a

vehicle-mounted system that provides Line-of-Sight (LOS) enhanced

dedicated imagery. The distinguishing capability of this UAV is target designation in day, night, and

adverse weather. This provides the Company Commander the ability to shape the battle space by

employing a combination of Line-of-Sight (LOS), Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS), and Non-Line-ofSight (NLOS) fires. It can team with selected ground and air platforms, and provides limited

communications relay.

The Class II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can be carried by two Soldiers, has a 16 km radius of

action, and can remain aloft for two hours.

7. Class III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Class III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a multifunction aerial

system that has the range and endurance to support battalion level RSTA

within the Unit of Action’s (UA) battle space. The Class III must

maximize endurance and payload while minimizing maintenance, fuel, and

transportation requirements. It provides the capabilities of the Class I and

Class II, but also provides communications relay, mine detection, Chemical,

Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) detection, and meteorological

survey. It allows the Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) battalion to deliver precision fires within the UA area

of interest. The Class III must be able to take-off and land without a dedicated air field.

The Class III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a six hour endurance and a 40 km radius of action.

8. Class IV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The Class IV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a range and

endurance appropriate for the brigade mission. It supports the Unit of

Action (UA) Commander with communications relay, long endurance

persistent stare, and wide area surveillance over a 75 km radius. Unique

missions include dedicated manned and unmanned teaming (MUM) with manned aviation; Emitter

Mapping; Wide Band Communications Relay across 150-175 km; and standoff Chemical Biological

Radiological, Nuclear, and Energy (CBRNE) detection with on-board processing. Additionally, it has

the payload to enhance the RSTA capability by cross-cueing multiple sensors. It operates at survivable

altitudes at standoff range at day and night and during adverse weather. Like the Class III, the Class

IV must be able to take-off and land without a dedicated air field.

The Class IV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System (which includes four air vehicles) has an

objective endurance of 18-24 hours and a 75 km radius of action.

9. Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV)

CLASS II UAV

CLASS III UAV
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ARV Variants

SUGV

The Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV) comes in two

variants: the Assault variant and the Reconnaissance,

Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) variant.

The two variants share a common chassis. The

Assault variant will remotely provide reconnaissance

capability; deploy sensors, direct-fire weapons, and special munitions into buildings, bunkers, and

other urban features; locate or by-pass threat obstacles in buildings, bunkers, and tunnels, and other

urban features; assess battle damage; acts as a communications relay; supports the mounted and

dismounted forces in the assault with direct fire and anti-tank (AT) weapons; and occupy key terrain

and provide over-watching fires.

The Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) version will remotely provide

reconnaissance capability in Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and other

battlespace; deploy sensors, direct-fire weapons, and special munitions into buildings, bunkers, and

other urban features; locate or by-pass threat obstacles in buildings, bunkers, tunnels, and other urban

features; acts as a communications relay; and assess battle damage assessment (BDA).

10. Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV)

The Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is a small, lightweight,

manportable UGV capable of conducting military operations in urban

terrain tunnels, sewers, and caves. The Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle

(SUGV) is an aid in enabling the performance of manpower intensive or

high-risk functions (i.e. urban Intelligence, Surveillance, and

Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, chemical/Toxic Industrial Chemicals

(TIC)/Toxic Industrial Materials (TIM), reconnaissance, etc.) without

exposing Soldiers directly to the hazard. The Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle’s (SUGV) modular

design allows multiple payloads to be integrated in a plug-and-play fashion. Weighing less than 30

pounds, it is capable of carrying up to six pounds of payload weight.
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MULE Variants

MULE:

(Countermine)

MULE:

(Transport)

ARV-A (L)

11. Multifunctional Utility/Logistics

and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle

The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and

Equipment (MULE) Vehicle is a 2.5-ton

Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that

will support dismounted operations. It

consists of four major components:

• Mobility platform or common chassis.

• Autonomous Navigation System (ANS). The ANS is the mission payload package that will be

integrated on both the Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle and Armed

Robotic Vehicles (ARVs) to provide a robotic semiautonomous capability, and also on the family of

Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs) to provide a leader-follower capability.

• Operator Control Unit (OCU).

• Three Mission equipment packages/variants.

The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle is sling-loadable under military

rotorcraft. The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle has three variants

sharing a common chassis: transport, countermine and the Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV)-AssaultLight (ARV-A-L). The transport Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle

will carry 1,900-2,400 pounds of equipment and rucksacks for dismounted infantry squads with the

mobility needed to follow squads in complex terrain. The countermine Multifunctional

Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle will provide the capability to detect, mark and

neutralize anti-tank mines by integrating a mine detection mission equipment package from the

Ground Standoff Mine Detection System (GSTAMIDS) FCS program. The Armed Robotic Vehicle

(ARV)-Assault-Light (ARV-A-L) Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle is

a mobility platform with an integrated weapons and reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition

(RSTA) package to support the dismounted infantry’s efforts to locate and destroy enemy platforms

and positions. The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Vehicle platform’s

centerpiece is superior mobility built around an articulated suspension system to negotiate obstacles

and gaps that a dismounted squad might encounter.

12. Mounted Combat System (MCS)

The Mounted Combat System (MCS) provides direct and Beyond-Lineof-Sight (BLOS) offensive firepower capability allowing UAs to close

with and destroy enemy forces in support of the operations plan. The

Mounted Combat System (MCS) delivers precision fires at a rapid rate

to destroy multiple targets at standoff ranges quickly and complements

the fires of other systems in the Unit of Action (UA). It is highly mobile

and maneuvers out of contact to positions of advantage. It is capable of

providing direct support to the dismounted infantry in an assault, defeating bunkers, and breaching

walls during the tactical assault. The Mounted Combat System (MCS) also provides Beyond-Line-ofSight (BLOS) fires through the integrated sensor network. Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) fires from a

Mounted Combat System (MCS) provide in-depth destruction of point targets up to 8 kilometers away

from the target. This capability significantly increases the options available to the Unit of Action (UA)

commander for the destruction of point targets through the integrated fires network enhancing SoS

MCS
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NLOS-C

lethality. The Mounted Combat System (MCS) will consist of the common Manned Ground Vehicle

(MGV) chassis and an autoloading line of sight and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) capabilities.

13. Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) consists of four platform versions: a

Company Commander; a Platoon Leader; a Rifle Squad; and a Weapons

Squad. All four platform versions appear to be identical from the exterior

to prevent targeting of a specific Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) variant

type (e.g., Platoon Leader). The Infantry Platoon includes an Infantry

Carrier Vehicle (ICV) Platoon Leader variant; three Infantry Carrier

Vehicle (ICV) Rifle Squad variants; and an Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

Weapons Squad variant. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) Rifle Squad variant and Infantry Carrier

Vehicle (ICV) Weapons Squad variant each deliver 9-person infantry squads to a location from which

they will conduct a close assault. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) will effectively employ weapon

systems and rapidly maneuver during blackout, day and night operations, inclement weather, and

limited visibility periods. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) will deliver the dismounted force to the

close battle and support the squad by providing self-defense and supporting fires. The Infantry Carrier

Vehicle (ICV) carries the majority of equipment freeing the individual Soldier to focus on mission.

The squad will have access to Army and Joint fire delivery systems from external sources to provide

extended range, networked responsive precision or volume fires on demand in support of tactical

maneuvers. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) can move, shoot, communicate, detect threats, and

protect crew and critical components under most land-surface environments. Data transfer with other

components of the Unit of Action (UA) permits constant update of the common operational picture and

rapid identification of targets.

14. Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C)

The Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) provides unprecedented

responsiveness and lethality to the Unit of Action (UA) commander. The

Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) provides networked, extended-range

targeting, and precision attack of point and area targets in support of the

Unit of Action (UA) with a suite of munitions that include special purpose

capabilities. The Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) provides sustained

fires for close support and destructive fires for tactical standoff engagement.

The system’s primary purpose is to provide responsive fires in support of the FCS Combined Arms

Battalions (CABs), and their subordinate units in concert with line-of-sight, Beyond-Line-of-Sight

(BLOS), Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS), external and Joint capabilities. The system provides flexible

support through its ability to change effects round-by-round and mission-by-mission. These

capabilities, combined with rapid response to calls for fire and rate of fire, provide a variety of effects

on demand.

The cannon will be able to move rapidly, stop quickly, and deliver lethal first round effects on target in

record time. The Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Cannon will have a multiple round-simultaneous impact

(MRSI) capability. The multiple round-simultaneous impact (MRSI) capability, coupled with the NonLine-of-Sight Cannon’s (NLOS-C) superior sustained rate of fire, will provide record effects on target

from a smaller number of systems. The cannon, like all Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) variants, can

rapidly rearm and refuel, and its system weight makes it uniquely deployable. Fully automated

handling, loading, and firing will be another centerpiece of the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C).

ICV
14

C2V

RSV

The Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) balances deployability and sustainability with

responsiveness, lethality, survivability, agility, and versatility.

15. Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar (NLOS-M)

The Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar (NLOS-M) provides unparalleled

responsiveness and lethality to the Unit of Action (UA) commander. The

mortar provides fires in close support of tactical maneuvers that include

destructive fires and special purpose fires. While working as part of an

Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar (NLOS-M) battery, the Non-Line-of-Sight

mortar-firing Precision Guided Mortar Munitions will deliver lethal fires

to destroy high payoff and most dangerous targets, and provide area

suppression in support of Unit of Action (UA) companies and platoons.

The mortar and platoon are highly flexible and agile in establishing sensor-shooter linkages. It

provides highly responsive, reliable, timely, accurate, and sustained rates of fire and rates of kill with

24/7 availability in all weather and terrain conditions at extended ranges. The Non-Line-of-Sight

Mortar (NLOS-M) system provides precision-guided fires to destroy, protective fires to suppress and

obscure the enemy and illumination fires all in close support of Unit of Action (UA) Combined Arms

Battalions (CABs) maneuver units. The platoon provides responsiveness with fires on-demand to

engage complex and simultaneous target sets. The command, control, communications, computers,

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network enables the FCS Non-Line-of-Sight

Mortar (NLOS-M) fire control system to conduct semi- to autonomous computation of technical fire

direction, automatic gun lay, preparation of the ammunition for firing and mortar round firing. Vastly

improved handling, loading and firing systems will be another centerpiece of Non-Line-of-Sight

Mortar (NLOS-M). The mortar platoon will retain a dismounted 81mm mortar capability for complex

terrain.

16. Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicle (RSV)

Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicles (RSVs) feature a suite of

advanced sensors to detect, locate, track, classify and automatically

identify targets from increased standoff ranges under all climatic

conditions, day or night. Included in this suite are a mast-mounted, longrange electro-optic infrared sensor, an emitter mapping sensor for radio

frequency (RF) intercept and direction finding, remote chemical detection,

and a multifunction RF sensor. Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicles

(RSVs) also feature the onboard capability to conduct automatic target detection, aided target

recognition and level one sensor fusion. To further enhance the scout’s capabilities, Reconnaissance

and Surveillance Vehicles (RSVs) are also equipped with unattended ground sensors (UGS), a Small

Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) with various payloads and two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

17. Command and Control Vehicle (C2V)

The Command and Control Vehicle (C2V) is part of the family of manned

ground vehicles and is the hub of battlefield command and control. The

Command and Control Vehicle (C2V) platform provides for information

management of the integrated network of communications and sensor

capability within the Unit of Action (UA) and provides the tools for

commanders to synchronize their knowledge of combat power with the

NLOS-M
15

FRMV

human dimension of leadership. It is located within the headquarters sections at each echelon of the

Unit of Action (UA) down to the company level, and with the integrated command, control,

communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) suite of equipment,

it provides commanders command and control on the move.

Command and Control Vehicles (C2Vs) contain all the interfaces required to enable the commander to

leverage the power of the C4ISR network and provides the means for leaders at all levels to achieve

information superiority and situational understanding and to establish, maintain and distribute a

common operating picture fused from the friendly, enemy, civilian, weather and terrain situations

while on the move. The crew uses its integrated C4ISR suite (communication, computers and sensor

systems) to receive, analyze and transmit tactical information via voice, video and data inside and

outside the Unit of Action (UA). The Command and Control Vehicle (C2V) can also employ

unmanned systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance situational awareness throughout the

Unit of Action (UA).

18. Medical Vehicle – Treatment (MV-T) and Evacuation (MV-E)

The Medical Vehicle is designed to provide advanced trauma life support

within 1 hour to critically injured Soldiers. The Medical Vehicle serves as

the primary medical system within the Unit of Action (UA) and will have

two mission modules: Evacuation and Treatment. The time-sensitive nature

of treating critically injured soldiers requires an immediately responsive

force health protection system with an expedient field evacuation system.

The FCS Medical Vehicle-Evacuation (MV-E) vehicle allows trauma

specialists, maneuvering with combat forces, to be closer to the casualty’s point-of-injury and is used

for casualty evacuation. The Medical Vehicle -Treatment (MV-T) vehicle enhances the ability to

provide Advanced Trauma Management (ATM)/Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) treatments

and procedures forward for more rapid casualty interventions and clearance of the battlespace. Both

FCS Medical Vehicle mission modules will be capable of conducting medical procedures and

treatments using installed networked telemedicine interfaces, Medical Communications for Combat

Casualty Care and the Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP).

19. FCS Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (FRMV)

The Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (FRMV) is the recovery and

maintenance system for employment within both the Unit of Action (UA)

and Unit of Employment (UE) and contributes to sustaining and

generating combat power to the Future Force structure. Each Unit of

Action (UA) will have a small number of 2-3 man Combat Repair Teams

within the organic Forward Support Battalion (FSB) to perform field

maintenance requirements beyond the capabilities of the crew chief/crew,

more in-depth Battle Damage Assessment Repair (BDAR), and limited recovery operations. The

Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (FRMV) is designed to hold a crew of three with additional space

for three additional recovered crew. The Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (FRMV) has a Close

Combat Support Weapon (CCSW) and Mk-19mm grenade launcher.

MV-E/MV-T
16

 The Soldier

20. The Soldier

All Soldiers in the Unit of Action (UA) are part of the Soldier as a System

(SaaS) overarching requirement encompassing everything the Soldier

wears, carries, and consumes to include unit radios, crew served weapons,

and unit specific equipment in the execution of tasks and duties. All

Soldiers systems will be treated as an integrated System of Systems (SoS).

The FCS Soldier, as defined by Soldier as a System (SaaS), meets the

need to improve the current capability of all Soldiers, regardless of

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), to perform Army Common Tasks and functions more

efficiently and effectively. Soldier as a System (SaaS) establishes a baseline for core Soldier

requirements, and establishes the foundation for specific or mission unique Warrior Programs (Land,

Mounted, and Air). It will present a fully integrated Soldier that provides a balance of tasks, and

mission equipment in support of the Soldier Team, FCS, and the Future Force.