BAE Systems is teaming with Elbit Systems of America, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, and QinetiQ to design and produce an innovative, purpose-built, next-generation combat vehicle designed to meet the US Army’s requirements for an agile, lethal, and survivable Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
The companies believe their solution will help redefine land combat operations and maneuverability in future conflicts.
For OMFV, Elbit is providing its 50mm Unmanned Turret (UT50), a versatile armament configuration with multiple mission payloads and capabilities, which recently completed a successful live fire demonstration at the Aberdeen Test Center. The UT50 features a XM913 50mm cannon and a high-capacity ammunition handling system.
The OMFV design will use a standardized, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), designed by BAE Systems and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions.
According to BAE Systems, MOSA solutions are critical for enabling the customer to rapidly refresh technology to field new capabilities and meet emerging threats on the battlefield. The two companies are also providing vital electronics and control systems into the OMFV.
BAE Systems and QinetiQ are developing and integrating the Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) technology with an electric cross-drive transmission, a key component of an HED system for tracked combat vehicles, to ensure the OMFV has the speed, reliability, and maneuverability necessary for the toughest battlefield conditions. QinetiQ’s Modular E-X-Drive transmission has been tested and proven in a wide range of tracked vehicles and weight classes over the last decade.
“The synergy from our diverse and highly capable team allows us to deliver the next-generation, transformational technology and capabilities our customer is looking for,” said Andy Corea, vice president and general manager for BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems. “Together we have continually researched, developed, innovated, and delivered and we believe this team can provide a purpose-built vehicle with the winning solutions for future battlefields and, most importantly, for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day.”
BAE Systems has plans to complete project elements at facilities across the US that contribute a diverse set of workforce talent and manufacturing quality.
