Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs

The Combat Vehicle Improvement Programs (PE 0203735A) is a comprehensive Army initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, focused on correcting vehicle deficiencies, integrating new technologies, and enhancing the combat effectiveness of tracked and wheeled ground combat vehicles. The program's overarching goals are to improve survivability, lethality, mobility, and network integration across multiple vehicle platforms, including the Recovery Vehicle (M88 HERCULES), Abrams Tank, Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), and the Stryker Family of Vehicles. These efforts also aim to reduce operating and support costs while maintaining overmatch against current and future threats.

The recovery vehicle improvement program for the M88 HERCULES is dedicated to regaining single vehicle recovery capability for the Army's heaviest tracked combat vehicles, particularly the latest Abrams variants. The M88A2 HERCULES currently lacks the necessary power and braking ability to recover the M1A2SEPv2/v3 tanks in all conditions. To address this, the Project Manager-Mounted Armored Vehicle (PM-MAV) is executing Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) for the M88A3, with funding supporting prototype development, testing, and program management. The objectives include validating the M88A3's ability to recover 80-ton tanks, conducting safety and performance testing, and transitioning to production contracts for additional vehicles, ensuring operational readiness and logistical efficiency.

The Abrams tank improvement program focuses on the modernization of the Abrams tank fleet through a series of ECPs and targeted technology integration. The primary objectives are to reduce the logistical footprint, enhance soldier protection, and meet evolving performance requirements using modular open systems architecture. Funding supports the identification, maturation, and demonstration of critical technologies such as advanced armor, active protection systems, improved munitions, and unmanned system defeat capabilities. The program also includes efforts to reduce tank weight for improved mobility, integrate advanced sensors for 360-degree situational awareness, and comply with Army Senior Leader guidance for future battlefield effectiveness.

The AMPV improvement program is designed to replace the legacy M113 Armored Personnel Carrier within Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT), addressing gaps in force protection, survivability, mobility, reliability, and interoperability. Funding supports continued development and integration of enhancements such as Composite Rubber Track (CRT), Vehicular Situational Awareness, and mission equipment packages for specialized roles including engineers, field artillery, and counter-UAS. The CRT offers weight savings, improved fuel economy, and reduced maintenance, while situational awareness upgrades improve driver and commander visibility, directly enhancing operational safety and effectiveness.

Stryker improvement efforts encompass a wide range of upgrades for the Stryker Family of Vehicles, targeting lethality, survivability, mobility, network integration, and C5 (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Cyber) capabilities. Key efforts include the Double V-Hull A1 (DVH A1) ECP, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Javelin (CROWS-J), anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) enhancements, and network modernization. Funding supports continued development of CROWS-J Network Lethality and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), survivability demonstrations, and integration of mission equipment packages such as the Fire Direction Center (FDC). The program also addresses obsolescence in targeting and reconnaissance systems and supports predictive logistics and driver assistance systems to improve readiness and operational safety.

Each of these line items is managed by specialized Army program offices and leverages partnerships with industry and Army research centers. Acquisition strategies include competitive contract awards, milestone-based development, and integration of commercial off-the-shelf technologies where appropriate. Congressional adds in recent years have supported specific technology demonstrations, such as Cannon Telematic Sensor Systems for Abrams and Driver Assistance Systems for Stryker, reflecting ongoing efforts to address urgent operational needs and accelerate modernization.