Future Combat Systems Infantry Carrier Vehicle

The XM1206 Future Combat Systems Infantry Carrier Vehicle is one of a family of lighter and more transportable Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs) being developed for the United States Military as part of the Future Combat Systems project. Each vehicle will participate in a networked system of systems with all other ground, air, and unmanned units to facilitate the concept of network-centric warfare. With burgeoning costs and many questions about the vehicle's lightweight and vulnerability to anti-armor weapons systems, the U.S. Army insists that its features will help it avoid rough situations through excellent mobility and that the ICV will be fitted with an anti-projectile system such as the TROPHY Active Protection System.

Overview

The Future Combat Systems Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) consists of four platform versions: a Company Commander; a Platoon Leader; a Rifle Squad; and a Weapons Squad. All four platform versions have similar exteriors to prevent targeting of a specific ICV versions (e.g., Platoon Leader).

The Infantry Platoon includes:
* 1 Platoon Leader ICV
* 1 Weapons Squad ICV
* 3 Rifle Squad ICVs

The Rifle Squad ICV and Weapons Squad ICV each deliver 9-person infantry squads to a close battle and support the squad by providing offensive and defensive fire, while carrying the majority of the soldiers' equipment. The ICV can move, shoot, communicate, detect threats, and protect crew and critical components under all climatic conditions, day or night.

The squad will have access to Army and joint fire delivery systems from external sources (e.g. the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon) to enhance the squad's range, precision, or quantity of fire. Networking with other components of the Unit of Action permits rapid identification of targets and improves situational awareness.