MINNEAPOLIS, 2 October 2006. BAE Systems has unveiled the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) cannon firing platform.
The NLOS Cannon is the lead manned ground vehicle (MGV) of the Boeing/Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)-led FCS Program.
FCS, the U.S. Army's modernization program, is an integrated family of air systems and manned and unmanned ground systems connected by a network.
The 155-mm firing platform is the first step toward development of NLOS Cannon prototypes scheduled to begin testing in 2008.
The NLOS cannon firing platform, which features a 38-caliber length, automated 155-mm howitzer, was developed at BAE Systems' Minneapolis System Integration Facility and will soon be shipped to Army test facilities, where it will begin qualification of its ultra-lightweight cannon and breech.
The firing platform will undergo testing through 2008. Test data from these tests will support obtaining a safety release, which will allow soldiers to begin testing the NLOS Cannon prototypes.
The firing platform's howitzer is integrated with an automated ammunition handling system. The platform, made of a combination of high-strength steel and aluminum, incorporates a cannon assembly that is 1,200 pounds lighter than the M777 cannon used on the NLOS Cannon Concept Technology Demonstrator previously developed and tested by BAE Systems.
The cannon assembly is integrated onto a lightweight surrogate chassis that provides performance similar to the full prototype vehicle chassis.
