Program Executive Office Ground Com-bat Systems (PEO GCS) manages the de-velopment, systems integration, acquisi-tion, testing, fielding, modernization, andsustainment of the U.S. Army’s groundcombat systems to provide world-class, af-fordable and relevant capabilities to oursoldiers and marines. Systems include theAbrams main battle tank, Bradley family ofvehicles (FoV), self-propelled howitzers,Armored Knight FoV, M113 armored per-sonnel carrier, M88 Hercules, armoredmulti-purpose vehicle, Stryker FoV, groundcombat vehicle, robotics and unmannedground systems. PEO GCS operates with amultibillion-dollar annual budget and re-tains more than 1,200 military and civilianemployees including three board-selectedArmy project managers and one MarineCorps joint project manager.

Project Manager Heavy BrigadeCombat Team (PM HBCT)The Project Manager Heavy Brigade

Combat Team (PM HBCT) serves as thelife-cycle manager for the Army’s heavycombat vehicles including the Abramstank, M88 Hercules, Bradley fighting vehi-cle, M113 armored personnel carrier, Pal-adin, field artillery ammunition supply ve-hicle (FAASV), armored multi-purposevehicle, and Armored Knight FoV.

Product Manager AbramsThe Abrams Tank provides soldiers with

the mobility, firepower and shock effect tosuccessfully close in and destroy enemyforces on the complex, integrated battle-field. It is the only weapon system that canwithstand the impact of high-energy war-heads and remain lethal in full spectrumoperations. The 120 mm main gun on theM1A1 and M1A2 SEPv2, combined withthe powerful 1,500-hp turbine engine andspecial armor, make the Abrams tank suit-able for attacking or defending againstlarge concentrations of heavy armor forceson a highly lethal battlefield and for rolesthat require shock effect, wide-area sur-veillance, combined arms maneuver, andmobile direct firepower to support Armymission requirements.Advanced improvements in lethality,

survivability and fighting ability enablethe M1A2 SEPv2 tank to remain lethalagainst future threats. The M1A2 SEPv2has a digital command-and-control systemthat provides situational awareness up-dates to other tanks within the unit.Vetronics architecture ties all electroniccomponents in the tank together and pro-vides increased survivability and support-ability. The commander’s independentthermal viewer (CITV) provides a hunter-killer capacity, allowing the M1A2 SEPv2

October 2012 � ARMY 343

M1A2 Abrams tank

PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICEGROUND COMBAT SYSTEMS

to engage one target while simultaneouslytracking another. Improved onboard diag-nostics allow the tank to self-diagnosefaults without any additional special toolsor equipment. The M1A2 SEPv2 also hasintegrated C4ISR capabilities, which incor-porate Force XXI Battle Command Brigadeand Below (FBCB2) to provide real-timecommand and control and situationalawareness. The sights use the latest sec-ond-generation forward-looking infrared[FLIR] thermal-imaging system for in-creased lethality and survivability. TheSEPv2 package also includes a computer-ized mass-memory unit and color mapsand displays. A thermal management sys-tem increases electronic reliability and de-creases crew fatigue.The Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK)

was added as an Operation Iraqi Freedom(OIF) upgrade on the Abrams to improveforce protection, lethality, survivability andsituational awareness. The inclusion of re-active armor tiles, gun shields, a mine-resis-tant driver seat, a stabilized commander’sweapon station, counter-sniper/anti-ma-teriel mount and loader’s thermal weaponsight, and underbelly armor provide en-hanced capabilities for the urban fight.Production deliveries of the M1A2 SEPv2

tank began in February 2005, when thesevehicles were used extensively during OIF,in which they were proven to be capable ofhandling full spectrum operations.The Abrams Integrated Management

(AIM) Program is the recapitalization pro-gram for the M1A1 tank. Under AIM, M1A1tanks are completely disassembled andmany of the components are refurbished atthe Anniston Army Depot, Ala. The assem-blies are then shipped to the Joint Systems

Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Ohio,where General Dynamics Land Systems re-assembles the tanks to a zero-time/zero-miles standard. AIM also serves as the venue to apply

modifications and upgrades to the tank in-cluding embedded diagnostics, improvedline-replaceable units, and redesigned hulland turret network boxes. U.S. Marine Corps Abrams tanks are ac-

tively engaged in supporting OperationEnduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Up-graded, digitized M1A2 SEPv2 tanks arebeing fielded to the active Army, and up-graded M1A1 SA tanks are being fieldedto the National Guard.

Product Manager BradleyProduct Manager Bradley manages ap-

proximately 6,452 M2/3A2, M2/3A2 ODS,and M2/3A3, as well as 361 M7A3 Bradleyfire-support team (BFIST) vehicles and theM707/M1200 Knight family of vehicles.Bradley Family of Vehicles. The Brad-

ley M2A3 Infantry/M3A3 Cavalry Fight-ing Vehicle (IFV/CFV) facilitates en-hanced command-and-control capabilities,provides mobile protected transport of in-fantry to critical points on the battlefield,and performs cavalry scout and other es-sential missions. Upgrades in this programinclude advanced technology in the areasof command and control, lethality, surviv-ability, mobility and sustainability, re-quired to defeat current and future threatforces while remaining operationally com-patible with the main battle tank. TheM2/3 vehicle armament includes the 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, the TOW IImissile systems and a 7.62 mm M240C ma-chine gun.

The M2A3/M3A3 provides overwatch-ing fires to support dismounted infantryand to suppress and defeat enemy tanks,reconnaissance vehicles, IFVs, armoredpersonnel carriers, bunkers, dismountedinfantry and attack helicopters. The IFVversion (M2) of the A3 Bradley fighting ve-hicle is used most often to close with theenemy by means of fire and maneuver.The primary tasks performed by the CFVversion (M3) as part of a troop and/orsquadron are reconnaissance, security andguard missions.The A3 is a digitized platform with core

electronics architecture and an improvedtarget acquisition system that includes afull ballistic fire-control package withhunter-killer functionality via a comman-der’s independent viewer. Optical im-provements include two second-generationFLIRs and day television cameras, whichdisplay information to the soldiers in theback of the vehicle and significantly im-prove the real-time situational awarenessfor the entire dismounted or mounted crew.The A3 integrated command-and-control

package incorporates the Army’s digitalcommand-and-control suite of automatedmessages, overlays and friend-or-foe graph-ics that meet the Army’s objectives for afully digitized force. This same digital com-mand-and-control capability was incorpo-rated into the A2 Operation Desert Storm.The A3 variants reflect the latest itera-

tions of a fighting vehicle family that in-cludes the Bradley M2/M3A0, A1, A2, A2ODS, IFV/CFV, BFIST vehicles and M2A2ODS engineer vehicle. Additional Bradleyvariants, based on the associated trackedM993A1 multiple-launch rocket systems(MLRS) chassis, range from command-and-control systems to armored medicaltreatment vehicles.The Bradley Operation Desert Storm-Sit-

uational Awareness (ODS-SA) M2/M3A2conversion implements a digital architec-ture to mitigate obsolescence and providecommonality. The M2/3 A2 ODS-SA sys-tem consists of a modified A2 ODS turretand chassis. The two-man turret consists ofa gun/turret stabilization system, a 25 mmgun, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, am-munition feed/storage systems, a dual-tubeTOW missile launcher with a launcher erec-tion mechanism/drive and TOW launcherelevation drive, gunner’s and comman-der’s stations and sight systems, and a tur-ret processor with associated subsystemsand sensors. The chassis contains the powertrain, suspension systems, the driver’s sta-tion and squad compartment. The A2 ODS-SA electronic architecture is based on a dualredundant serial data bus. All major turretsystem units are linked through this bus forsignal and data transfer. Sight imagery andgraphics data are routed as RS-170 videosignals to the operators.The A2 ODS-SA systems have the im-

344 ARMY � October 2012

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proved Bradley acquisition subsystem(IBAS) for the gunner that replaces theBradley eyesafe laser rangefinder (BELRF)integrated sight unit in the A2 ODS. Thesight has a day television and a FLIR chan-nel, both with a narrow and wide field ofview. The sight images are displayed asvideo images to the gunner and comman-der on cathode ray tube-based biocularvirtual image displays. The IBAS also hasa gunner’s monocular direct-view opticsport for the day view channel and a laserrange finder for target ranging. The line ofsight is inertially stabilized. The M7 BFISTSA (M7 SA) vehicle is the fire supportteam (FIST) version of the Bradley ODS-SA and was first unit equipped to the 81stBrigade Combat Team, Washington Na-tional Guard, in October 2010.M7A3 Bradley Fire Support Team

(BFIST). The BFIST program is executingto the Army Campaign Plan and will com-plete modularization of the force in fiscalyear (FY) 2012 with 20 heavy brigades ofA3 BFISTs and seven heavy brigades of M7BFIST SA. BFIST vehicles are required toconduct various mission scenarios includ-ing reconnaissance and surveillance, re-porting of enemy activity in the area of operations, reporting of hazards and obsta-cles to movement, and the coordination ofindirect fire support. Both versions haveequivalent mobility, survivability, signa-ture and night-vision capability and usecommon repair parts with the maneuverforce they support. Target designation forall available laser-guided munitions is re-quired, including those delivered by mor-tars and airborne platforms. Dismountedoperations are required under some condi-tions. Extensive and real-time communica-tions with other members of the force andrear-area command posts are required formission success. Interoperability in the net-work-centric array of other systems de-mands full compatibility with the newestC4ISR equipment and procedures. The M7 SA BFIST is one of the two mod-

els that replaced all of the M981 (FISTVs).The M7 SA integrates both existing and

improved FIST mission equipment pack-ages (MEPs) onto a M3A3 chassis. Featuresincorporated from the M3A3 chassis in-clude the 25 mm gun, 7.62 mm coaxial ma-chine gun, precision lightweight defenseadvanced global positioning system (GPS)receiver (DAGR) and the Bradley eyesafelaser rangefinder. The current M7 SA BFISTuses the standalone computer unit (SCU),the ruggedized handheld computer (stowed)and the forward observer system with fullinteroperability with advanced field ar-tillery tactical data system (AFATDS) firesupport networks. The inertial navigationsystem (INS) provides navigational capa-bility based on a blended inertial/GPS so-lution.The second model BFIST is the A3

BFIST. It incorporates the FIST MEP with adigitized M3A3 chassis. Features incorpo-rated from the M3A3 chassis include thecommander’s independent viewer with360-degree traverse and the IBAS, bothsecond-generation FLIRs, to improve tar-get acquisition and engagement; the 25mm gun; the 7.62 mm coaxial machinegun; DAGR; and digital command-and-

control enhancements. The first unitequipped for the M3A3 BFIST was the 4thInfantry Division.In addition to the improved features of

the M3A3, the A3 BFIST will allow the firesupport team to detect, identify and desig-nate targets for precision munitions atgreater ranges while remaining protectedby the vehicle’s armor. The new rangesmeet the soldier’s needs and allow forlaser-guided smart munitions, laser-guidedbombs, and missiles for rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. The first unit equipped withthe A3 BFIST with FS3 was the 42nd In-fantry Division in August 2011.M1200 Armored Knight. The Armored

Knight family of vehicles assist heavybrigade combat teams (HBCTs) and in-fantry brigade combat teams (IBCTs) in per-forming terrain surveillance, target acquisi-tion and location, and fire support forcombat observation lasing team (COLT)missions. Fielded to both IBCTs and HBCTs, the

Knight family of vehicles consist of a laserdesignator and rangefinder, thermal im-ager, digital command-and-control system,

October 2012 � ARMY 345

M1200 Armored Knight

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blended inertial/GPS navigation and target-ing capability, and a self-defense weapon.Combat observation lasing teams use theKnight precision targeting systems, alongwith the forward observer systems soft-ware, to provide precise far-target locationand laser designation for conventional ord-nance, laser-guided munitions and preci-sion-guided projectiles such as Excalibur.First fielded in 2008, the M1200 Ar-

mored Knight provides improved surviv-ability for the COLTs and precision strikecapability by locating and designating tar-gets for both ground- and air-deliveredlaser-guided ordnance and conventionalmunitions. The M1200 Armored Knightadds 360-degree continuous cupola rota-tion, CREW II, high-frequency radio capa-bility, and M2 .50-caliber capability. The Armored Knight program continues

to evaluate ways to increase the level ofprotection of the Armored Knight plat-form. More than 300 M1200 ArmoredKnights have been fielded to support op-erations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The procurement, production and field-

ing of 465 M1200 Knights is scheduledthrough FY 2013. To increase force protec-tion, the design, integration and validationof the targeting under armor (TUA) capa-bility will be complete in FY 2012. TUA incorporates a common remotely operatedweapon system II (CROWS II) and a com-mon remote stabilized sensor system(CRS3) onto the Armored Knight. This ca-pability will put the soldier under armorfor operations—with no degradation in ca-pability—and add an optional fourth crewmember station. Additional efforts are un-der way to upgrade the mission equipmentpackage (MEP) and software to a moreopen architecture. The program is currentlyfunded for 65 upgraded TUA Knights andwill begin fielding in late FY 2013.

Product Manager Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV)The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle

(AMPV) is the proposed program to replacethe M113 series family of vehicles in heavybrigade combat teams including the M113,M577, M1068, and M1064 vehicles currentlyperforming general purpose, medical evac-uation, medical treatment, command-and-control and mortar carrier roles. Potential alternatives to meet AMPV

mission requirements include Stryker,mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP),Bradley derivatives, and other nondevel-opmental systems, and/or variants ofDoD development programs such as theground combat vehicle. A subsequent de-cision will address replacement of M113vehicles in other than HBCT formations.AMPV will integrate current M113-se-

ries MEPs and provide for integration offuture radio and network systems as wellas improved medical equipment packagesfielded on MRAP ambulances.AMPV is aimed to provide production

vehicles and be first unit equipped no laterthan FY 2017.

Product Manager MountedManeuverThe M113 Family of Vehicles (FoV) pro-

vides a highly mobile, survivable and reli-able tracked-vehicle platform that, withupgrades, is able to keep pace withAbrams- and Bradley-equipped units andis adaptable to a wide range of current andfuture battlefield tasks through the inte-gration of specialized mission modules.Although not presently in production, themore than 10,000 M113 FOV systems inArmy vehicle inventories constitute a sig-nificant percentage of present and futureheavy division assets. The latest A3 models provide various de-

rivatives within the FoV with major perfor-mance improvements in mobility, reliabilityand survivability through installation of a275-hp 6V53T engine with an X-200-4Atransmission. Coupled with reconfigurationof the driver’s station and several other ve-hicle subsystems, these improvements pro-vide battlefield mobility commensuratewith the supported Abrams/Bradley ma-neuver force and permit a range of en-hanced survivability options.The M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery

Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation Sys-tem (HERCULES) is a fully tracked, heavyarmored vehicle developed to accomplishsafe, effective and independent battlefieldrecovery operations. It implements swiftand effective combat evacuations throughthe battlefield recovery operations of tow-ing, winching and lifting. The Hercules isthe primary recovery support for the 70-tonM1 Abrams tank, the Wolverine and otherheavy combat vehicles. The M88A2 includes a 1,050-hp engine;

a 35-ton boom; overlay armor; a 140,000-pound, single-line, constant-pull mainwinch; and a 3-ton auxiliary winch for de-ploying the main winch cable. When com-pared with the M88A1, these upgrades im-prove towing power by 25 percent, liftingcapability by 40 percent and winchingability by 55 percent. The system is in full-rate production and deployment. Fieldingbegan in July 1997.

Product Manager Self-PropelledHowitzer SystemsProduct Manager Self-Propelled How-

itzer Systems manages approximately 1,934platforms, including the M109A6 Pal-adin/M992A2 Field Artillery AmmunitionSupply Vehicle (FAASV) system, the Pal-adin/Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT)and Paladin Integrated Management (PIM)program vehicles.Paladin/FAASV. The M109A6 Paladin

155 mm self-propelled howitzer providesthe primary indirect fire support to modu-lar HBCTs and armored cavalry regiments.Like the earlier M109 models, the M109A6Paladin is a fully tracked, armored vehicle.The enhanced Paladin configuration isachieved through extensive modificationsto existing M109A2/A3 vehicle hulls andthe subsequent introduction of an entirelynew turret structure. The Paladin includes an onboard Paladin

Digital Fire-Control System (PDFCS), a ve-hicle location/navigation system, secure ra-dio communications systems, an improvedM284 cannon and M182A1 gun mount, au-tomotive improvements, improved ballisticand nuclear-biological-chemical protection,driver’s night-vision capability, and built-intest equipment. Additional chassis up-grades include a remotely actuated travellock (for quicker site occupation and dis-placement), longer torsion bars (to help

346 ARMY � October 2012

M1064 Self-propelled 120 mm Heavy Mortar Carrier

support the new turret) and a low-heat re-jection engine with an improved coolingsystem. The Paladin has improved respon-siveness, survivability, lethality and reliabil-ity compared with the earlier M109s. A parallel U.S. Army recapitalization ef-

fort was seen in the M992A2 FAASV. Thebasic M992A0 FAASV emerged from an in-dustry research and development projectdesigned to provide self-propelled field ar-tillery units with a ballistically protectedvehicle capable of performing critical re-supply and support functions. The FAASVsystem was type classified and enteredproduction in 1983. It was based on anM109 howitzer chassis that provided theresupply asset with mobility and surviv-ability characteristics commensurate withthe supported cannon element. The systemis paired on a one-for-one basis with theArmy’s M109A6 Paladin self-propelledhowitzer.Paladin/FAASV Integrated Management

(PIM/CAT). The PIM program is a modern-ization program engineered to improvereadiness, avoid components’ obsolescenceand increase sustainability of the M109A6Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV platformsthrough the year 2050. PIM will leveragefleet commonality for key components in-cluding the Bradley engine, transmission, fi-nal drives and suspension. PIM uses the ex-isting M109A6 main armament and recentlydesigned cab structure while replacing out-moded chassis components with advancedcomponents from the Bradley fighting vehi-cle to increase sustainability and commonal-ity across the HBCT. PIM also incorporatesselect technologies from the non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C), including a (modi-fied electric) projectile rammer and modernelectric-gun drive systems to replace thecurrent hydraulically operated elevationand azimuth drives that were designed inthe early 1960s. The M109 FoV platforms will be fitted

with Blue Force Tracker capability to en-sure compatibility with future architec-

tures. These upgrades and better commu-nications technology will significantly im-prove operational awareness on the battle-field and reduce the logistics footprintwithin the HBCT. The new electric-gun dri-ves and rammer components, as well as amicroclimate air conditioning system, willbe powered by the common modularpower system (CMPS). Once delivered tothe field, the PIM vehicles will give HBCTcommanders a more sustainable vehicle,providing commanders with increasedconfidence in their artillery fleet.

Project Manager Stryker BrigadeCombat TeamThe Project Manager Stryker Brigade

Combat Team (PM SBCT) develops, pro-duces and sustains the full range of safe, reliable, supportable and effective Strykervehicle systems—a diverse fleet of medium-weight vehicles capable of being rapidly de-ployed to trouble spots around the world.Stryker Family of Vehicles. The Stryker

FoV consists of 10 unique mission equip-ment packages incorporated into the eight-wheeled, common combat vehicle plat-form configurations. The Army’s responsibility to satisfy 21st-

century requirements for effective fullspectrum operations required an improvedcapability for the rapid deployment ofhighly integrated combined arms forces,possessing overmatch capabilities, exploit-ing the power of information and humanpotential, and combining the advantages ofboth light and mechanized forces acrossthe full range of military and nonmilitaryoperations. As a result, the Army investedin the Stryker FoV.In 2000, the Stryker became the first new

combat vehicle to be acquired by the Armyin more than 20 years. The procurement of

October 2012 � ARMY 347

M109A6 Paladin Howitzer

the Stryker emerged following the chal-lenge presented in 1999 by then-U.S. ArmyChief of Staff GEN Eric K. Shinseki: “Wemust provide early entry forces that canoperate jointly without access to fixed for-ward bases, but we still need the power toslug it out and win decisively.” Strykers have accumulated more than 30

million combat miles in Operation Endur-ing Freedom and Operation Iraqi Free-dom. There are 10 Stryker variants. The M1126 infantry carrier vehicle (ICV)

is a troop transport vehicle capable of carry-ing nine infantry soldiers and their equip-ment and requires a crew of two—a driverand a vehicle commander. The ICV isarmed with a remote weapons station thatsupports the M2 .50-caliber machine gun orthe Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher, the

M6 countermeasure device (smoke grenadelauncher) and an integrated thermalweapon sight. The other nine variants con-sist of the M1130 commander’s vehicle, theM1127 reconnaissance vehicle (RV), theM1131 A1 fire support vehicle, the M1129A1 mounted mortar carrier, the M1134 anti-tank guided missile vehicle, the M1132 en-gineer squad vehicle, the M1133 medicalevacuation vehicle and the M1135 nuclear-biological-chemical reconnaissance vehicle.The M1128 mobile gun system is based onthe ICV but modified to incorporate a 105mm turreted gun, an autoloader systemand a crew of three. The addition of the double-V hull (DVH)

provides improved blast protection for theStryker crew and is currently being fieldedin Afghanistan. Based on the unique operat-ing environment encountered in Afghan-istan, DVH ICVs (ICVVs) were provided in

lieu of DVH RVs because the ICVV’s remoteweapon station afforded greater protectionand lethality and carried more personnel. Tocontinue to perform scout missions, a kitwas developed that will facilitate the instal-lation of the RV’s unique mission equip-ment package into ICVVs. The Stryker supports communications

suites that integrate the single-channelground-and-air radio system (SINCGARS)radio family; enhanced position locationreporting system (EPLRS); Force XXI Bat-tle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2)or Blue Force Tracker (BFT); GPS; high-fre-quency (HF) and multiband very high fre-quency and ultrahigh frequency (VHF/UHF) radio systems; and computer work-stations using Command Post of the Fu-ture software.

Ground Combat Vehicle ProjectManagement Office (GCV PMO)The Ground Combat Vehicle, managed

by PM GCV, is part of the Army’s combatvehicle modernization strategy, secondonly to the Network. The GCV Program’sobjective is to develop and deliver an af-fordable and effective infantry fighting ve-hicle by focusing on affordability and pro-gram risk reduction through the use ofmature technology and prudent perfor-mance trades. The Army is executing athree-pronged strategy, now in the technol-ogy development phase, that uses contrac-tor-developed, best-value designs; techni-cal and operational studies of existingvehicle platforms; and continued analysisof existing alternatives to assess GCV re-quirements against cost and schedule. Anupdate to the analysis of alternatives, in-formed by contractor design work, will be

ongoing during the technology develop-ment phase. This prong will enable theArmy to make informed, timely require-ments trades. The Army is conducting atechnical and operational analysis of exist-ing nondevelopmental vehicles. The effortfrom this prong will validate existing capa-bilities against the ground combat vehiclerequirements and further inform potentialdesign trade-offs. As the Army approachesmilestone B, the assessments of technicalachievability, existing vehicle platform ca-pabilities, refined cost estimates and poten-tial affordability tradeoffs will significantlyinform potential adjustments to the GCV’srequirements.The need for GCV is driven by com-

pelling current and emerging threats and acritical need for better force protection. Sol-dier input, informed by 10 years of war,clearly identifies an ever emerging threatand requirement for an infantry fightingvehicle that can deliver a full, nine-soldiersquad to the battlefield in an improvisedexplosive device (IED) environment underarmor. No single vehicle that is availabletoday can provide that combination of ca-pabilities.

Robotic Systems Joint Project Office(RS JPO)The Robotic Systems Joint Project Office

takes a joint Army and Marine Corps per-spective in managing the development, ac-quisition, testing, systems integration,product improvement and fielding of ro-botic systems that will form the backboneof the Combat Force of the Future. RS JPOmanages the MARCbot, the M160 Anti-Personnel Mine Clearing System, the Pack-Bot family of systems, the TALON familyof systems, and the small unmannedground vehicle (SUGV) family of systems,which includes the mini-explosive ord-nance disposal (EOD) and the XM1216.TheMulti-function, Agile, Remote Con-

trolled Robot (MARCbot) is a commercialoff-the-shelf (COTS) manportable, rela-tively low-cost, tele-operated, wheeled ro-botic platform. The system includes amast-mounted color video camera, a radiotransmitter and an operator control unit.The camera mast can be raised up to 45inches. The four-wheel-drive independentsuspension allows maneuverability overrelatively rough terrain including curbs upto 4 inches tall. In 2008, the system was up-graded to replace the separate control andvideo radios with a single digital radio.The custom suitcase-sized controller wasreplaced with a common, ruggedized note-book personal computer and game-stylehandheld controller. The MARCbot hasbeen fielded since 2004 with more than 850robots deployed.The M160 Anti-Personnel Mine Clear-

ing System, Remote Control, is a 6-ton,tracked robot designed for tele-operation

348 ARMY � October 2012

M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

U.S. Navy/MC1 Daniel N. Woods

from either mounted or dismounted posi-tions to perform area clearance of antiper-sonnel mine-sown areas. The M160 deto-nates or destroys antipersonnel mines in a66-inch wide path through the action of arotating chain and hammer flail system. Itfills the light flail mission in the area clear-ance family of systems.Because it’s a program-of-record robot,

system improvements are implemented viaan engineering change process. Multipleengineering change proposals have beenapproved and integrated into the M160 de-sign to enhance the robot’s utility for thesoldier or marine. These improvements in-clude transportability certification, soft-ware version updates to allow vehiclemaintainers to troubleshoot and isolatecauses of failures at the vehicle controlpanel, and updated marking requirements.The M160 was originally procured as a

COTS item but has made the transition toa program of record and is currently inproduction. The PackBot is a COTS, small, tele-oper-

ated, tracked robotic platform. The systemis modular and easily reconfigured. Basicmission packages include an articulatedarm with a gripper, a color surveillancecamera with ultra low-light and zoom ca-pabilities, and a rugged game-style con-troller for the common, ruggedized laptopoperator control unit. Two different stylesof manipulator arms are available withinthe PackBot family. The first is a small armmanipulator with 42-inch extension and alifting capacity of 5 pounds throughout thefull range of motion. The second is a three-link arm that can extend 80 inches and lift30 pounds close to the chassis and 10pounds at full extension.Multiple variants of the PackBot have

been fielded, including the PackBot 500 ex-plosive ordnance disposal, PackBot 500FIDO chemical sniffer, and PackBot 510FasTac. A recent software upgrade on thePackBot 510 platform enhances plug-and-play interoperability of all 500 and 510 se-ries payloads on the FasTac chassis.More than 1,900 PackBot family robots

have been supporting operations in theater.The TALON Family of Systems is a

COTS, vehicle-transportable, tele-oper-ated, multi-terrain tracked system that hasthe operational flexibility for a variety ofmissions. The TALON provides standoffprotection during remote reconnaissanceand surveillance. The gripper attached tothe control arm can support explosive ord-nance disposal as well as additional engi-neer support activities that may not involveinterrogation of improvised explosive de-vices. The systems include three camerasand a modular design that allows for plug-and-play upgrades. The TALON family of systems has un-

dergone various improvements throughuser feedback to enhance operator protec-

tion, system endurance, camera resolution,situational awareness, radio communica-tion, and mission data storage. Additionalimprovements being developed and eval-uated include an increase in manipulatorarm dexterity, improved communicationrange in urban and covert scenarios, andincreased drive motor torque to improvesystem mobility. The TALON family is supporting sol-

diers and marines with explosive ordnancedisposal, route clearance engineer support,and reconnaissance and surveillance mis-sions. Approximately 800 TALON systemswere fielded to Operation Enduring Free-dom and Operation New Dawn. Approxi-mately 450 systems are supporting varioustraining requirements in the United Statesand abroad. The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground

Vehicle (SUGV) is a program of record,tele-operated, manportable, tracked ro-botic vehicle capable of conducting six-hour missions in urban areas, tunnels andcaves. The SUGV provides situationalawareness, intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance to dismounted soldiers, en-abling the performance of manpower-in-tensive or high-risk functions without ex-posing soldiers directly to threats. TheSUGV can climb stairs, negotiate 10-inchvertical obstacles, and traverse slopes andaustere terrain. The modular design allowsmultiple payloads to be integrated in aplug-and-play fashion. During FY 2010, 52 design improve-

ments were implemented. Final XM1216SUGV baseline configuration increased ca-pabilities include: enhanced radio for se-cure communications at greater distances;

improved electro-optical and infraredcameras in the head assembly for im-proved long-range night-vision perfor-mance; laser rangefinder to provide targetlocation by grid coordinates; enhancedmanipulator arm; fiber optic tether spooler;chemical, biological, radiological and nu-clear detector; and an embedded tacticalengagement simulation system.The SUGV is currently in low-rate initial

production.The Mini-EOD (SUGV310) is a COTS,

lightweight, manportable, tracked roboticvehicle. The Mini-EOD is composed of amanipulator arm with camera, lights, and achassis with four drive cameras. The userwears a monocle over one eye to see whatthe robot sees and operates the vehicle witha small handheld device similar to thatused in common gaming systems, both at-tached to a wearable operator control unit.The Mini-EOD can navigate over vari-

ous types of terrain including rocky, sandyand uneven surfaces, and the low-light ca-pabilities enable it to perform during bothday and nighttime operations. The pivot-ing manipulator arm is capable of extend-ing up to 2 feet and can lift up to 15 poundsclose in and 7 pounds fully extended. RS JPO utilizes feedback from units us-

ing the Mini-EOD in theater and U.S.training sites to develop enhancementsand solutions for improved performance,reliability, and operational effectivenessfor the soldier or marine. As a result of a joint urgent operational

needs statement, more than 400 Mini-EODrobots have been fielded in support ofcombat operations by all branches of themilitary.

October 2012 � ARMY 349

XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle