| Future
Combat Systems is a joint networked system-of-systems -- one large system
made up of 18 individual systems, the network and, most importantly, the
Soldier, or 18+1+1. FCS is connected by an advanced network architecture
that will enable levels of Joint connectivity, situational awareness and
understanding, and synchronized operations. FCS will operate as a system-of-systems
that will network existing systems, systems already under development
and systems to be developed to meet the requirements of the Army's modular
force.
FCS includes:
- Unattended
ground sensors;
- Two unattended
munitions -- the non-line-of-sight launch system and intelligent munitions
system;
- Four classes
of unmanned aerial vehicles organic to platoon, company, battalion and
brigade combat team echelons;
- Three classes
of unmanned ground vehicles -- the armed robotic vehicle, small unmanned
ground vehicle, nicknamed Packbot, and multifunctional utility/logistics
and equipment vehicle, more commonly called MULE;
- Eight manned
ground vehicles (making 18 individual systems);
- The network
(18+1);
- Plus the
Soldier (18+1+1). The
FCS Soldier, as defined by Soldier-as-a-System, meets the need to improve
the current capability of all Soldiers, regardless of military-occupation
specialty, to perform Army common tasks and functions more efficiently
and effectively.
FCS, the core
building block of the Army's future force, will use evolutionary acquisition
to develop, field and upgrade itself throughout its lifecycle.
Key
points about FCS:
- Together
with the modular force, FCS is the Army's pre-eminent, interdependent
transformational initiative.
- FCS deals
with current and evolving threats from irregular, traditional, disruptive
and catastrophic challenges.
- FCS closes
capability gaps that might otherwise be exploited by adaptive, networked
opponents.
- FCS provides
a family of systems enabled by a common network designed to enable the
Soldier.
- FCS consists
of advanced air and ground-based systems (manned and unmanned) with
embedded and networked battle command.
- FCS operates
as a system-of-systems with platforms capable of tactical airlift.
- FCS enables
a new way of fighting using network-centric operations and air envelopment
with a mounted force to change the tactical battlespace geometry.
- The Army
is on schedule to field FCS, a national strategic investment.
TRADOC's
work helps accelerate the Army's transition to the future force. Key points
about TRADOC's work with FCS:
- A modular
FCS-equipped force uniquely enhances the Joint force commander's ability
to employ prompt, sustained and decisive Joint land combat power.
- TRADOC
is identifying ready future force capabilities to spiral into the current
force to fill capability gaps.
- As the
Army's architect of the future, TRADOC is incorporating lessons-learned
and the intellectual power of industry, academia and battlelabs to develop
the modular force.
Learn more
about FCS at "On the Network, the Strong Become Stronger, "
www.army.mil/fcs.
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An unmanned aerial vehicle operator prepares a Class I UAV for takeoff
during the Future Combat Systems demonstration Sept. 21, 2005, at Aberdeen
Proving Ground, Md. The UAV is manportable and can be fitted with a variety
of sensor packages. (Photo by Steve Harding)
Above photos show examples of UAVs currently employed: Hunter (top) and
Shadow (center and bottom). As an example of TRADOC's work with UAVs,
TRADOC Futures Center's Spiral Developments Division worked an initiative
in September 2004 for the Hunter UAV to be armed with Viper Strike munitions
to provide counterstrike capability against mortar attacks in Iraq.
Packbot, the small unmanned ground vehicle element of the Future Combat
Systems, is an example of future-force technology tested and then spiraled
into the current force.
Its optical sensor package in the raised position, a Packbot climbs a
debris mound during a Future Combat Systems demonstration Sept. 21, 2005,
at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The robotic vehicle is one of the FCS
technologies that has been leveraged for the current force.
MULE
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