Future Combat Systems Mounted Combat System

The XM1202 Future Combat Systems Mounted Combat System (MCS) is a US Defense tank, one of a subsystem of light-weight military vehicles, which is part of the Army's Future Combat Systems, a massive modernization effort.

The MCS is to be a light-weight, rapid deployment-enabled combat vehicle that could be transported anywhere in the world with very short notice. The goal is to be able to fit two units inside a C-17 or one inside a smaller C-130 transport plane; however, notwithstanding reports that the C-130 rapid transport goal would not be met,cite web
title=Slow, Fat "Future" for Army
url=http://www.defensetech.org/archives/001831.html
date=September 27, 2005
accessdate=2006-07-12
publisher=Defense Tech] the Manned Ground Vehicles still have a requirement to be transported via C-130 if necessary, albeit not necessarily in a combat-ready state.

The MCS will provide both direct and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) offensive firepower capability, allowing for in-depth destruction of point targets up to 8 km (5 mi) away. This requires the use of an integrated sensor network to detect enemy forces.

The MCS is intended to deliver precision fire at a rapid rate, in order to destroy multiple targets at standoff ranges quickly, and will complement the other systems in the Unit of Action. It will be capable of providing direct support to the dismounted infantry in an assault, defeating bunkers, and breaching walls during tactical assaults. It is also intended to be highly mobile, in order to maneuver out of contact and into positions of advantage; given the vehicle's light weight, this is especially important.

The common MGV chassis is required to provide full protection from 30 and 45mm cannon fire in a 60 degree arc opening towards the front of the vehicle. 360 degree protection must also be provided from small arms fire up to 14.5mm heavy machine gun and 155mm artillery shell air-bursts. Protection from higher caliber rounds as well as anti-tank guided missiles will be provided by an active protection system manufactured by Raytheon known as "Quick Kill".

The MCS will consist of the common Manned Ground Vehicle chassis and autoloading line-of-sight and BLOS capability.

The subsystem of vehicles that includes the MCS will also consist of a reconnaissance and target acquisition vehicle, an infantry fighting vehicle, a non-line-of-sight cannon, a non-line-of-sight mortar, a command and control vehicle, a combat ambulance, and a recovery vehicle. However, an October 2005 Pentagon report recommended "further delaying the Army's Future Combat Systems program."cite web
title=USAF Big: "Kill" Bloated Programs
url=http://www.defensetech.org/archives/001884.html
date=18 October, 2005
accessdate=2006-07-12
publisher=Defense Tech]

ee also

* Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), an earlier, but similar, British concept.

References