US Army announces prototype contracts in race to replace M2 Bradley fighting vehicle
The US Army has awarded two contracts, totalling $1.6bn, for prototypes to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, as the service's primary armoured troop carrier.
General Dynamics Land Systems Inc and American Rheinmetall Vehicles LLC were selected for the programme, now called the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle.
The two companies will produce up to 11 prototypes for the vehicle, which is due to arrive at operational units in 2029, and, after a final round of testing and reviews, one will be awarded the final multibillion-dollar contract to build it.
Even though the XM30 has not been designed yet, several key features have been outlined for the vendors to include in their prototypes.
They must take two soldiers to operate (a reduction from the Bradley which requires three) and carry capacity for six more troops, a 50mm cannon mounted on a remote turret, as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
The weapons systems on the XM30 will be designed to use the latest in sensor and fire control systems.
The XM30 will allow developing technology to be added to the vehicle further down the line.
Honorable Douglas R Bush, assistant secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, explained: "The modular open system architecture that the XM30 will allow new building technology to be added to the vehicle as that technology matures, ensuring an overwhelming advantage in any potential adversary competition."
"Competition remains a vital aspect of the XM30," he said, adding: "The programme opened the door for industry partners that are not traditional US combat vehicle prime contractors, which allows for increased competition and innovation."
The US Army said the M2 Bradley – which first started being used in 1981 and is an infantry fighting vehicle used to transport infantry on the battlefield as well as provide support to dismounted troops – has "been updated over the years but has reached its technological limits".
The M2 Bradley can travel up to 40mph and fire at a range of more than 200 miles.
It has two guns: a chain gun for firing at large targets such as other vehicles, and a smaller machine gun for close encounters.
It can also destroy a tank using its tube-launched two tow missiles, setting it apart from other fighting armoured vehicles.
Ukraine has received M2 Bradleys from Ukraine as part of military aid packages.
According to reports, some of the fighting vehicles have been destroyed in battle.
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