JUST IN: GD, Rheinmetall Win Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle Contract

American Rheinmetall concept

The Army awarded contracts June 26 to General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles for the next two phases of the service’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program and also gave the vehicle a new name.

With the initial digital design phase of the program now complete, the Army is redesignating the OMFV program as the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, a statement said.

The XM30 is the Army’s latest attempt to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, an effort that dates back to 2009 after the cancelation of the Future Combat Systems. That program begat the Ground Combat Vehicle, which was canceled in 2014. That was followed briefly by the Future Fighting Vehicle Program that became the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Program, which includes the OMFV — now the XM30.

The contracts are for Phase III and IV Detailed Design and Prototype Build and Testing phases. The total award value for both contracts is approximately $1.6 billion, the statement said.

Developed with a modular open system architecture, the XM30 will allow new, developing technology to be added to the vehicle as that technology matures, ensuring overmatch against any future adversary, the statement said.

The XM30 will be a tracked combat vehicle with the capacity for two crew members and six passengers and will employ a 50mm cannon with a remote turret, guided missiles and machine guns, “all of which are employed through advanced third-generation software and intelligent control,” Brig. Gen. Geoff Norman, leader of the next generation combat vehicle cross functional team, told reporters earlier in the day.

“Our requirements for the XM30 outline the capabilities which will provide our formations leap-ahead advantages,” he added.

During the next two phases of the program, the Army will conduct activities to mature XM30 designs and will verify prototype performance during test activities, including a limited user test. The awardees will be required to deliver up to 11 prototype vehicles, as well as two ballistic hulls and turrets, armor coupons and digital engineering data.

Following the detailed design and prototype build and testing phases, the Army intends to have a limited competition to downselect to one vendor at Milestone C near the end of fiscal year 2027, with first unit equipped anticipated in fiscal year 2029.

“These same vendors will then compete, based on demonstrated platform performance, in a limited competition for XM30 low-rate initial production,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean program executive officer for ground combat systems.

Topics: Land Forces