General Dynamics [GD] and BAE Systems
were each awarded $7.9 million study contracts for a Future Fighting Vehicle (FFV).
Each cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, awarded Aug. 13, is for technical, cost, and risk assessments against select requirements for technology integration refinement that leverage the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) technology development phase assets for potential incorporation for a (FFV) system, according to the Defense Department contract announcements.
Source: BAE Systems
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel accepted an Army recommendation to terminate the GCV in the fiscal year 2015 budget due to funding restraints. At the time, in late February, each company had more than 300 engineers working directly on the program. GCV was less ambitious than the previous Future Combat System program for a family of manned ground combat vehicles where General Dynamics and BAE worked together.
The FFV study “focuses on system architecture refinement, trade analysis, integration analysis and technology risk reduction at the system level essential to meet the requirements for an agile, and affordable infantry fighting vehicle that is consistent with the Army’s needs for the future,” said Peter Keating, director of communications at General Dynamics Land Systems.
“General Dynamics will employee 42 engineers over six months working on cost, and risk assessments against select requirements for integration of ground combat vehicle technologies into a potential Future Fighting Vehicle system,” Keating said. “The engineering skills performed under this contract are not readily available in the commercial world so the project retains defense industry capacity and capability for future programs.”
The work under the contract also will include automotive test rig testing at Yuma, Proving Ground, Ariz.
The Army intends to continue the research and development effort next year as announced in the FY ’15 Department of Defense budget request.
In a statement, BAE said it was pleased to continue working with the Army to leverage technology developed during the GCV program. Under the contract, the company will develop infantry fighting vehicle concepts and conduct technology assessments.
“The company will also further mature technology such as our Hybrid Electric Drive developed during the GCV program, including operation and testing of the system,” the company statement said.
BAE has worked on hybrid electric drive since 1979 when the technology was novel, but it has matured significantly since then.
Both companies will conduct the work in their separate Sterling Heights, Mich., offices, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 12, 2015.
At the time of the award, $3.87 million in fiscal year 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds were obligated by Army Contracting Command, Warren Mich.