The Army's Future Combat System (FCS): Background and Issues for Congress

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA501037 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Future Combat System FCS was a multiyear, multibillion dollar program at the heart of the Armys transformation efforts. It is was to be the Armys major research, development, and acquisition program consisting of 14 manned and unmanned systems tied together by an extensive communications and information network. FCS was intended to replace current systems such as the M-1 Abrams tank and the M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The FCS program has been characterized by the Army and others as a high-risk venture due to the advanced technologies involved and the challenge of networking all of the FCS subsystems together so that FCS-equipped units could function as intended.

Author(s):
Feickert, Andrew
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress
Pagination:
0018

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-RL32888
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_4.2.1_Manage Supplies and Equipment; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_JCA_4.1.2_Sustain the Force; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.2.4_Doctrine
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy; Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*COMBAT VEHICLES, *DEFENSE SYSTEMS, ACQUISITION, TRANSFORMATIONS, WEAPON SYSTEMS, ARMY EQUIPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, ARMY RESEARCH, CONGRESS, INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Defense Systems, Combat Vehicles
Keyword(s):
FCS(FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM)
Report Date:
2009 May 29
Creation Date:
2009 Jul 15