The XM30 project seeking to replace M2 Bradley IFVs with a new type of vehicle will involve more personnel from the military in order to create a platform that will be the closest to the operational requirements of real combat.
The statement comes from Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle program. He says, the recommendations from "warfighters, soldiers, and leaders who are going to use these capabilities in the field" will become important "touchpoints" for further developing the future combat vehicle, Breaking Defense reports.
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As a reminder, the XM30 program, previously known as Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, is part of a bigger development effort called the Next Generation Combat Vehicle, aimed to create a replacement for the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
Under the NGCV program, two contracts have been awarded – to General Dynamics Land Systems and to American Rheinmetall Vehicles – the total worth is almost USD 1.6 billion. The companies have to create detailed designs and present 11 prototypes of combat vehicles. They all have to be modular so that new functions could be added as long as the vehicles remain in service.
The idea to involve more military who will be using the novelty in the future is logical and pragmatic as the engineers have a chance to avoid many issues that might transpire during the development.
For instance, we can recall the problems faced by European manufacturers of combat vehicles, e.g. the flaw of the British Ajax AFV that manifested in insufficient noise suppression and even led to loss of hearing among the crew members.
Another example is the German Puma IFV which had an episode when all 18 vehicles malfunctioned during a military exercise, and it made Bundeswehr suspend further procurement of new Pumas.
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