Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite

The Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite is designed to enhance the Army's capabilities in conducting mounted Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance and surveillance. The primary goal of this program is to modernize the existing NBCRV Sensor Suite to improve its maintainability, reliability, and maneuverability while increasing the standoff distance from potential threats. This modernization effort aims to provide commanders with critical intelligence to facilitate proactive risk-based decisions, ensuring freedom of action and maintaining momentum during large-scale combat operations.

A key objective of the NBCRV Sensor Suite Upgrade (SSU) is the integration of advanced CBRN standoff capabilities through Capability Set 2.2 (CS2.2). This involves incorporating robotics for both manned and unmanned teaming, which will enhance the operational flexibility and effectiveness of maneuver formations. The program is categorized as an Acquisition Category II modification work order effort, indicating a significant but not major acquisition initiative within the Department of Defense's acquisition framework.

In fiscal year 2025, the program plans to complete the integration of CS2.2 and initiate both developmental and operational testing phases. These activities are crucial for validating the enhanced capabilities of the sensor suite before full-scale deployment. The Army Requirements Oversight Council has endorsed this pathway as a bridge from initial capabilities provided by Capability Set 2.1 to the full capabilities envisioned in CS2.2.

The acquisition strategy for the NBCRV SSU involves a phased approach, beginning with prototype systems received via Other Transaction Authority in March 2022. Testing of these prototypes will continue through December 2023 to inform material release decisions for CS2.1 in fiscal year 2024. Subsequently, CS2.2 systems will be tested from fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2027, culminating in a full-rate production decision anticipated by early fiscal year 2028.