Armored System Modernization - Adv Dev

The Armored System Modernization - Advanced Development (PE 0603645A) program is a key Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on maturing and integrating emerging science and technology (S&T) and industry innovations for ground combat vehicles. The principal goal is to bridge advanced technology investments to practical applications on vehicle platforms, supporting the Army's modernization strategy. This program element funds technology demonstrations, concept development, and risk reduction activities to address current and future operational needs. Emphasis is placed on survivability, lethality, mobility, and soldier-defined requirements.

EV7: Combat Vehicle Prototyping is the primary project within this program element. Its objectives include the maturation and demonstration of new capabilities for ground combat platforms, such as virtual and physical concept development, technical and operational analyses, and trade studies. The project supports user evaluations to identify capability gaps and reduce integration risks, informing future requirements for the Army's portfolio of ground combat systems. Key technology areas under development include advanced powertrains, lightweight vehicle components, autonomous and unmanned systems, and open architecture standards for vehicle integration.

Government Engineering & Program Management efforts are designed to provide oversight and management for experimental prototyping projects. Funding in this area covers government and contractor labor, travel, training, supplies, equipment, and facilities necessary to manage and execute these advanced development activities. The objective is to ensure effective coordination and execution of technology maturation and risk reduction efforts. These efforts support the transition of promising technologies into operational platforms.

Developmental Engineering focuses on refining and maturing advanced technology concepts for ground combat vehicles and related support equipment. This includes the Advanced Combat Powertrain (ACP) maturation, which consists of the Advanced Combat Engine (ACE) and Advanced Combat Transmission (ACT), with potential applications for platforms such as the XM30. Other efforts include MUM-T Protected Communications, vehicle lightweighting, autonomy and reliability initiatives, and the development of open architecture standards through the Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure Architecture and the Ground Vehicle Architecture Integration Laboratory.

Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities are essential for validating prototype vehicles and technologies. These efforts involve contractor and government testing, including user assessments, to evaluate the performance and maturity of emerging technologies. T&E supports the determination of future requirements and helps bridge S&T efforts to vehicle platforms. Key areas of focus include combat optimization for robotic systems, advanced powertrain maturation, lightweight vehicle components, and active protection systems.

Experimental Prototyping allows for the hands-on maturation of emerging S&T and industry technologies. The goal is to inform requirements, identify mitigations for capability gaps, and reduce technology integration and program risks. Prototyping efforts support the development of advanced powertrains, lightweight tracks, and autonomous vehicle concepts, as well as soldier assessment activities for technologies such as autonomy and reliability initiatives and other system advancements.

A notable Congressional Add in FY 2024 provided additional support for the Advanced Combat Engine, enabling further development and refinement of this critical component. The acquisition strategy for the Armored System Modernization - Advanced Development program centers on focused investments in technology demonstration and prototyping, enabling the Army to field next-generation capabilities and maintain technological superiority in ground combat systems. The program is executed through a combination of government, industry, and contractor partnerships, leveraging Army test facilities and integration laboratories to achieve its objectives.