| Future Combat Systems Non-line-of-sight Cannon |
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OVERVIEW NLOS-C is a proposed system in development to be part of the FCS (Future Combat Systems) environment and is funded by the U.S. Congress shortly after cancellation of the XM2001 Crusader M109 replacement. It is an 18 ton class vehicle that may be a replacement for current vehicle systems in the 40-60 ton weight class. If design perameters are indeed reached (always a question for systems in development) then it will provide a level of air transportability that current M-109 systems can not at present match. The system's primary purpose is to provide responsive fires in support of the FCS (future combat systems) Combined Arms Battalion s (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. Round by round fire capacity The system as proposed looks to add capabilities that the current M-109 systems do not offer. One of the proposed systems advantages is the ability to switch shell types quickly on a one by one basis allowing an illumination round to be followed by a point detonation round, to be followed by an area effect round. This would give the system the ability to fire different rounds as required by different fire calls or to change types of shells. For instance, destroying a building then engaging anyone fleeing the area with the next round. Rate of fire The rate of fire in the proposed system would enable more rounds sent downrange in a given amount of time allowing more fire power per system than is available with the current M-109 system, another capacity offered by the increased RPS and advanced gun computers would be one of multiple rounds impacting the same target sight at the same time allowing a target little or no reaction time to incoming rounds (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact). This is accomplished by including the autoloader from the canceled Crusader project which achives the goals of a much improved fire rate with a reduction in manning the vehicle. Networked combat system The proposed system is envisioned as part of a fast mobile force networked via improved communications and data capabilities to allow rapid response with enhanced accuracy with the view to reducing "blue on blue" incidents along with lessened collateral damage, while providing superior protective artillery fires to units requiring gunfire support. Navigation of the vehicle and targeting information are provided via GPS and networked information systems http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20070724.aspx Automation of the gun system Improvements in the refueling arrangements and automation of ammunition reloading allow reduced downtime for logistic functions that would otherwise leave the system unavailable for combat support operations. This also allows the system to be manned with 2 personnel instead of 5. This is seen as desirable as staffing continues to be a major contributer to life cycle cost of any combat system. PRODUCTION DECISION On July 24th, 2007 an annoucement for production of the NLOS-C published. 18 systems will be procured 12 in the 1st year and 6 for the second. http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20070724.aspx IMAGES |
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