View source for Engineering:Ground Combat Vehicle

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Ground Combat Vehicle
| image              = New GCV logo.png
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Ground Combat Vehicle logo
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|Infantry fighting vehicle]]
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = Canceled
| used_by            =
| wars               =
| designer           = Industry and US Army (Government Furnished E/I/M and synchronization)<ref name="contracting.tacom.army.mil"/>
| design_date        = 2009–2014
| manufacturer       =
| unit_cost          =
| production_date    =
| number             =
| variants           = 
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         =
| weight             =
| length             =
| part_length        =
| width              =
| height             =
| diameter           =
| crew               =
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
| armour             =
| primary_armament   = 
| secondary_armament =
| engine             =
| engine_power       =
| pw_ratio           =
| transmission       =
| payload_capacity   =
| suspension         =
| clearance          =
| fuel_capacity      =
| vehicle_range      =
| speed              =
| guidance           =
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}}

The '''Ground Combat Vehicle''' ('''GCV''') was a program initiated by the United States Army in 2009, with the goal of developing a next-generation armored fighting vehicle. The first variant of the GCV to be developed would be an [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|infantry fighting vehicle]] to replace the [[Engineering:M2 Bradley|M2 Bradley]].

The program was intended to provide increased protection and firepower for ground troops, with a focus on improved crew survivability and the ability to operate in a greater range of threat environments. The Army planned on acquiring 1,874 GCV infantry fighting vehicles to replace Bradleys in 16 active and 8 National Guard Heavy Brigade Combat Teams.  In 2011, the Army selected BAE Systems and [[Company:General Dynamics Land Systems|General Dynamics Land Systems]] to move forward with the GCV program.

The program faced significant challenges from the start, including limited funding and concerns about the weight of the vehicle. The GCV was designed to be heavily armored and to transport a fully equipped squad of nine soldiers, something the Bradley could not do. This requirement necessitated adding significant weight to the vehicle, making it less mobile.

The Army canceled the GCV program in 2014 due to budget constraints and concerns about the program's cost and complexity. The cancellation of the GCV program marked a setback for the U.S. Army, which had been looking to modernize its armored fighting vehicle fleet for many years. The Department of Defense had canceled the Army's previous combat vehicle program, Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles in 2009.

After the cancelation of the GCV program, the U.S. Army shifted its focus to upgrading its existing fleet of Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Canceling the GCV freed up Army development resources to proceed with the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), the service's replacement for the [[Engineering:M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armored personnel carrier]] family. The Army has embarked on a comprehensive combat vehicle acquisition effort called Next Generation Combat Vehicle, which includes AMPV within its scope. In 2018 the Army established what came to be known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program, the modern successor to the GCV infantry fighting vehicle effort.<ref name="defensenews6april14">[https://archive.today/20140823190952/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140406/DEFREG02/304060009/US-Army-Marines-Struggle-Infantry-Vehicle-Replacements US Army, Marines Struggle With Infantry Vehicle Replacements] - Defensenews.com, 6 April 2014</ref>

==Development==
===Initial program===
[[File:BCT Ground Combat Vehicle industry day 2.jpg|thumb|right|Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Peter Chiarelli hosts the second industry day.]]

An Army presentation in March 2009 revealed that TARDEC, Army Research Laboratory, and TRADOC-ARCIC had partnered to analyze the survivability of the Army's "Ground Combat Vehicle".<ref name="First mention">{{cite web|title=Advanced Planning Briefing to Industry|url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3Af8sj5VSJUt8J%3Acontracting.tacom.army.mil%2Ffuture_buys%2FFY09%2FBochenek.pdf+%22Ground+Combat+Vehicle%22&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShNA_mYsS0QLPUy6mlU7dIQhZ75P0JumKgbBYNYLZKyyuR3OtO6FnP85UAZkyS4Wg-DlWiM5Q1Ury6YGHaTd_YLa7pdTKUgEmIropLrNIDgUvMukH_oVX5y-_3jk9--p5YHuw4B&sig=AHIEtbQ612_P5ABuC4aXPAfDoQyKJIxHMw|access-date=26 October 2010|date=19 March 2009|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112125810/https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3Af8sj5VSJUt8J%3Acontracting.tacom.army.mil%2Ffuture_buys%2FFY09%2FBochenek.pdf+%22Ground+Combat+Vehicle%22&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShNA_mYsS0QLPUy6mlU7dIQhZ75P0JumKgbBYNYLZKyyuR3OtO6FnP85UAZkyS4Wg-DlWiM5Q1Ury6YGHaTd_YLa7pdTKUgEmIropLrNIDgUvMukH_oVX5y-_3jk9--p5YHuw4B&sig=AHIEtbQ612_P5ABuC4aXPAfDoQyKJIxHMw|url-status=live}}</ref> Army Chief of Staff Robert Gates announced his intention of halting funding for the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle of the FCS Manned Ground Vehicles program in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=McHugh nervous about changes|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090410/NEWS02/304109961|publisher=Watertown Daily Times|access-date=9 August 2010|author=Marc Heller|date=10 April 2009|archive-date=22 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322012341/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090410/NEWS02/304109961|url-status=dead}}</ref> In late May, Army and Department of Defense representatives outlined plans for the cancellation of Future Combat Systems and the initiation of the Ground Combat Vehicle program in its place.<ref name="28 May 2009">{{cite web|title=US Army outlines how it will 'devolve' FCS|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw090528_1_n.shtml|publisher=IHS Global Limited|access-date=9 August 2010|author=Daniel Wasserbly|date=28 May 2009}}</ref>

In June 2009, a blue-ribbon panel met in Washington D.C. to determine the requirements for the Ground Combat Vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cavallaro |first=Gina |date=11 June 2009 |title=Panel to Discuss New Ground Combat Vehicle |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/army_ground_combat_vehicle_061109w/ |access-date=14 December 2009 |website=Army Times}}</ref> It was concluded at this meeting that an infantry fighting vehicle was to be the first vehicle variant fielded.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Army Details Ground Combat Vehicle Plans|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4271063|work=Army Times |access-date=20 August 2010|author=Matthew Cox|date=10 June 2009}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Later that month, FCS was formally dissolved and many programs including the Manned Ground Vehicle program were canceled with it.<ref>{{Citation |last = Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) |title = Future Combat System (FCS) Program Transitions to Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization |newspaper = United States Department of Defense |date = 23 June 2009 |url = http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12763 |accessdate = 13 November 2013 |archive-date = 1 December 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091201003318/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12763 |url-status = live }}</ref>

In October and November 2009, more than 100 defense contractors turned up for two U.S. Army-organized [[Engineering:Industry day|industry day]] events in Michigan to learn about the requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2009 |title=U.S. Army Announces Ground Combat Vehicle Industry Day |url=http://www.bctmod.army.mil/news/pdf/GCV_Industry_Day.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430044617/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/news/pdf/GCV_Industry_Day.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2011 |website=United States Army |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Margaret |date=25 November 2009 |title=U.S. Army Meets with Industry Representatives to Conceive a Ground Combat Vehicle |url=http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/25/31026-us-army-meets-with-industry-representatives-to-conceive-a-ground-combat-vehicle |website=United States Army |access-date=25 November 2009 |archive-date=2 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202080242/http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/25/31026-us-army-meets-with-industry-representatives-to-conceive-a-ground-combat-vehicle/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also that month, Program Executive Office Integration was established to oversee subsystems of BCT Modernization including the GCV.<ref>{{cite web|title=Army Establishes Program Executive Office Integration to Support Modernization|url=http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/02/28280-army-establishes-program-executive-office-integration-to-support-modernization/|access-date=11 August 2010|author=Jimmie Cummings|date=2 October 2009|archive-date=20 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420055840/http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/02/28280-army-establishes-program-executive-office-integration-to-support-modernization/|url-status=live}}</ref> A review required for continuation was held and passed in February 2010 in Washington.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=11 February 2010 |title=DoD Postpones Ground Combat Vehicle Review |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4494373&c=AME&s=LAN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729031250/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4494373&c=AME&s=LAN |archive-date=29 July 2012 |access-date=11 February 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref><ref name="Kate">{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=25 February 2010 |title=Army to Issue Ground Combat Vehicle RfP Today |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/defense_army_gcv_rfp_022510w/ |access-date=25 February 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref> A request for proposals (RFP) was issued in February 2010 to which companies had 60 days to respond,<ref name=Kate/> but this was extended an additional 25 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Andrew |date=19 April 2010 |title=US Army delays GCV deadline |url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/landwarfareintl-com/us-army-delays-gcv-deadline/6155/ |access-date=19 April 2010 |website=Shephard |publisher=Shephard Group Limited |archive-date=28 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428202826/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/landwarfareintl-com/us-army-delays-gcv-deadline/6155/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was revealed in the RfP that the GCV would be a [[Finance:Cost-plus contract|cost-plus contract]].<ref name="Brannen RfP">{{cite web|title=Army launches Ground Combat Vehicle contest|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/army_dn022610_GCV_web/|work=Army Times |access-date=1 October 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=26 February 2010}}</ref>

By the 21 May deadline, four proposals were submitted.<ref name="ADVS">{{cite web|title=U.S. Army GCV Protest Not Expected to Cause Delay|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4679299&c=AME&s=LAN|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121140948/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4679299&c=AME&s=LAN|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2013|work=Army Times |access-date=23 June 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate}}</ref>

On 1 July, management of the GCV was transferred from PEO Integration to [https://web.archive.org/web/20051113021252/http://www.peogcs.army.mil/index.html PEO Ground Combat Systems] with Andrew DiMarco as [[Project manager|project manager]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/07/mil-100727-arnews05.htm|title=The future of ground combat vehicles resides with PEO Ground Combat Systems|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=11 August 2010|author=Lori Grein|date=July 27, 2010|archive-date=3 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103193252/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/07/mil-100727-arnews05.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In May, a "red team" was formed to "shave a little time off" the GCV's seven-year development time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=10 May 2010 |title=Experts Study U.S. Army's GCV Plans, Schedule |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4619649&c=AME&s=LAN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121120527/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4619649&c=AME&s=LAN |archive-date=21 January 2013 |access-date=11 May 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref> For fiscal year 2011, the U.S. Army wished to spend $934 million of the $2.5 billion allocated for BCT Modernization to develop the GCV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=1 February 2010 |title=No More Humvees in 2011 Procurement Plan |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/army_procurement_020110w/ |access-date=2 February 2010 |website=Army Times}}</ref> Reportedly, $100 million was removed from the yet to be approved budget but the budget continued to be reported as $934 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=House panel risks veto by supporting funds for second F-35 fighter engine|url=http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/defense-homeland-security/111145-house-panel-risks-veto-by-supporting-second-f-35-engine|access-date=28 July 2010|author=Roxana Tiron|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=30 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730114100/http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/defense-homeland-security/111145-house-panel-risks-veto-by-supporting-second-f-35-engine|url-status=live}}</ref>

Up to three competitive contracts were to be awarded by early fall.<ref name=IFVspecs/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scutro |first=Andrew |date=10 January 2010 |title=Army Vague on New Ground Combat Vehicle |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/01/army_vehicle_010910w/ |access-date=26 January 2009 |website=Army Times}}</ref> A prototype development contract decision would have followed by 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halcom |first=Chad |date=7 February 2010 |title=Budget cuts for vehicles hit defense contractors |url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100207/SUB01/302079979/1069 |access-date=8 February 2010 |publisher=Crain Communications Inc |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114030133/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100207/SUB01/302079979/budget-cuts-for-vehicles-hit-defense-contractors |url-status=live }}</ref> The Technology Development Phase (or Milestone A) would begin in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2010 with the award of up to three vehicle contracts. This was to be followed by an Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase before full production could start.<ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN"/>

Nine vehicles were evaluated in the Analysis of Alternatives (AOA). The four primary vehicles included in the AOA were the [[Engineering:M2 Bradley#M2A3|M2A3 Bradley]] II, a modernized Stryker, an M2A3 Bradley variant used in Iraq, and a XM1230 [[Engineering:BAE Caiman|Caiman]] Plus MRAP. The five secondary vehicles included two unnamed foreign-made platforms, the [[Engineering:M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle|M1126 Stryker]] Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the [[Engineering:M1 Abrams#Variants and upgrades|M1A2 SEP TUSK Abrams]], and a modernized M1 Abrams. Vehicles included the AOA were determined to be inferior to the planned GCV.<ref name="AoA">{{Cite web |date=January 2010 |title=Army Evaluated Nine Vehicles Against GCV In Analysis Of Alternatives |url=http://defensenewsstand.com/Inside-Defense-General/Insider/menu-id-286.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928003142/http://defensenewsstand.com/Inside-Defense-General/Insider/menu-id-286.html |archive-date=28 September 2010 |access-date=12 January 2011 |publisher=Inside Washington Publisher |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In August 2010 the Army retracted its request for proposals after the red team assembled in May recommended that the Army either upgrade the existing ground vehicle fleet or rewrite the requirements.<ref name="delay">{{cite web|title=Army delays Ground Combat Vehicle|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/08/DN_army-army-delays-gcv-082510/|work=Army Times |access-date=26 August 2010|first1=John T.|last1=Bennett|last2=Brannen |first2=Kate|date=26 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=John T. |date=25 August 2010 |title=U.S. Army Delays Ground Combat Vehicle |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4677012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730101842/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4677012 |archive-date=30 July 2012 |access-date=20 September 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref> A new RFP was to be issued 60 days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=27 August 2010 |title=U.S. Army's GCV Delay: Lesson Unlearned? |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4757536 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730110452/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4757536 |archive-date=30 July 2012 |access-date=20 September 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=6 September 2010 |title=Malcolm O'Neill, Acquisition Executive, U.S. Army |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4767908 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723204335/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4767908 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |access-date=20 September 2010 |website=Defense News }}</ref> When Peter Chiarelli was asked if the Army was developing an alternative to the GCV, Chiarelli replied "We're totally committed to GCV."<ref name="Defense news interview w. Chiarreli">{{Cite web |last=Brannen |first=Kate |date=25 October 2010 |title=Gen. Peter Chiarelli |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4965011&c=FEA&s=INT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122002756/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4965011&c=FEA&s=INT |archive-date=22 January 2013 |access-date=24 October 2010 |work=Army Times }}</ref> The [[Finance:National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform|National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform]] suggested deferring development of the GCV until after 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2010 |title=$200 BILLION IN ILLUSTRATIVE SAVINGS |url=http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/sites/fiscalcommission.gov/files/documents/Illustrative_List_11.10.2010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119153741/http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/sites/fiscalcommission.gov/files/documents/Illustrative_List_11.10.2010.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2010 |access-date=11 November 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

;Projections
[[File:GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle schedule (January 2010).png|thumb|right|300px|The IFV schedule as of January 2010]]
The Technology Development Phase was to begin with the award of up to three vehicle contracts in late FY2010.<ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN"/> The Army planned to spend $7.6 billion during this phase.<ref name="Lucrative contracts">{{cite web|title=Contractors vie for lucrative vehicle work|url=http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/112959-top-contractors-vie-for-lucrative-vehicle-work|access-date=6 August 2010|author=Roxana Tiron|date=6 August 2010|archive-date=22 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622032125/http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/112959-top-contractors-vie-for-lucrative-vehicle-work|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase was to begin with two prototype development contracts awarded in the beginning of FY2013. The first prototypes would be manufactured mid-FY2015.<ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN" />

The Low Rate Initial Production Phase was to begin with a low-rate production contract awarded in mid FY2016. Less than two years after the contract award LRIP would begin. After more testing a battalion-sized team would be attained in FY2018 followed by a brigade-sized arsenal in FY2019.<ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN" />

The Army would then decide whether to go into full-rate production. The Army planned on procuring 1,450 IFVs at a total program cost of $40 billion.<ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN" /><ref name="1,450">{{cite web|title=Panel rejects bid to divert funds for Bradley upgrades|url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0810/080410cdam2.htm|work=Government Executive|publisher=National Journal Group|access-date=4 August 2010|author=Megan Scully|date=4 August 2010|archive-date=26 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826050627/http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0810/080410cdam2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!-- The Ground Combat Vehicle was envisioned to be a model of acquisition reform.<ref name="Case for GCV">{{cite web|title=Ground Combat Requires an Adaptable, Versatile Vehicle|url=http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/Case%20for%20%20GCV.pdf|access-date=17 August 2010|date=August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011190145/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/Case%20for%20%20GCV.pdf|archive-date=2010-10-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> -->

=== Revised program ===
In September 2010, Alion Science and Technology was awarded a $23,828,000 contract modification for the development of systems supporting GCV development. This contract was tendered by the U.S. Air Force and $2.18 million in funds was obligated at the time of the award.<ref name="1st contract">{{cite web|title=Contracts|url=http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4377|access-date=30 September 2010|date=29 September 2010|archive-date=5 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005181853/http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4377|url-status=live}}</ref> An industry day was held in October in Dearborn, Michigan.<ref name="Tiered">{{cite web|title=U.S. Army to Set Out Tiered Requirements for GCV|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4826208&c=LAN&s=TOP|work=Defense News|access-date=26 October 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=5 October 2010}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The Army reduced its requested FY 2011 budget to $462 million.<ref name="$462 million"/> Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and BAE Systems announced their intention of re-competing soon after the cancellation.<ref name="Crains resubmit">{{cite web|title=Contractors to resubmit bids for revamped military vehicle program|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100926/SUB01/309269952/contractors-to-resubmit-bids-for-revamped-military-vehicle-program|publisher=Crain Communications Inc.|access-date=27 September 2010|author=Chad Halcom|date=26 September 2010|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906134223/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100926/SUB01/309269952/contractors-to-resubmit-bids-for-revamped-military-vehicle-program|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Military vehicle maker drops protest, will try again for government contracts|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100827/FREE/100829898|publisher=Crain Communications Inc.|access-date=30 August 2010|author=Chad Halcom|date=27 August 2010|archive-date=30 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830063534/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100827/FREE/100829898|url-status=live}}</ref>

The revised RfP was issued in November. ADVS announced that it would not submit a proposal due to the program's extended timeline.<ref>{{cite web|title=4th GCV team withdraws from competition|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/08/defense-gcv-gets-go-ahead-081811/|work= Army Times|access-date=19 January 2011|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=18 January 2011}}</ref>

Up to three [[Finance:Cost-plus contract|cost-plus contract]]s were to be awarded nine months after the RfP was released.<ref name="delay"/><ref name="Ground Combat Vehicle Technology Development Phase Solicitation 2">{{cite web|title=10--Ground Combat Vehicle Technology Development Phase Solicitation|url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=3ca68abe44eae4d617512b7057977a18&_cview=0|access-date=16 October 2010|date=8 October 2010|archive-date=1 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601161454/https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=3ca68abe44eae4d617512b7057977a18&_cview=0|url-status=live}}</ref> The Army delivered an analysis of alternatives to Congress in April 2011. The notional GCV fared well compared to comparable vehicles including the Stryker and foreign counterparts such as the Israeli [[Engineering:Namer|Namer]] and German [[Engineering:Puma (IFV)|Puma]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bertuca |first1=Tony |title=Stryker not lethal enough, Bradley not big enough JOURNAL ARTICLE Stryker not lethal enough, Bradley not big enough: Lawmakers, Auditors Get A Chance to Examine Army's Analysis On GCV |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24833515 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |issue=15 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=18 April 2011 |volume=23 |jstor=24833515 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110060818/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24833515 |url-status=live }}</ref> An acquisition decision memorandum in August 2011 allowed the program to award technology development contracts. It also initiated two reviews of alternatives including a revised analysis of alternatives and an analysis of non-developmental vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|title=GCV moves ahead, but more studies ordered|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/08/defense-gcv-gets-go-ahead-081811/ |work=Army Times|access-date=11 September 2011|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=18 August 2011}}</ref> In August, the Army awarded technology development contracts to BAE and GDLS. BAE was awarded $450 million while GDLS was awarded $440 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=BAE, GD awarded Ground Combat Vehicle contracts|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/08/defense-army-gcv-contract-winners-announced-081811/ |work=Army Times|access-date=11 September 2011|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=18 August 2011}}</ref> SAIC protest the award later that month,<ref>{{cite web|title=SAIC-Led Team Protests U.S. Army Combat Vehicle Contracts|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-26/saic-boeing-team-said-to-protest-army-combat-vehicle-contracts.html|publisher=Bloomberg L.P|access-date=11 September 2011|author=Roxana Tiron and Brendan McGarry|date=26 August 2011|archive-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106160100/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-26/saic-boeing-team-said-to-protest-army-combat-vehicle-contracts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> saying it believed the evaluations process was flawed and the evaluation took factors into consideration that were not stated in the request for proposal.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Ground Combat Vehicle Work Put On Hold|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/08/30/07.xml&headline=U.S.%20Ground%20Combat%20Vehicle%20Work%20Put%20On%20Hold|publisher=Bloomberg L.P|access-date=11 September 2011|author=Paul McLeary|date=29 August 2011}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Army suspended work on the GCV until December, when the [[Engineering:Government Accountability Office|Government Accountability Office]] denied SAIC's protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tony |first1=Bertuca |title=Puma still in play for AOA: Army Lifts Stop-Work Order On GCV After GAO Denies SAIC Bid Protest |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24834209 |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |issue=49 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=12 December 2011 |volume=23 |jstor=24834209 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111020232/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24834209 |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Projections
The Army requested $884 million to fund the GCV in FY 2012.<ref name="Kate FY 2012">{{cite web|title=Army seeks 30 percent less for overseas ops|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/02/defense-army-overseas-ops-budget-021411/ |work=Army Times|access-date=15 February 2011|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=15 February 2011}}</ref> The technology development phase was to be a 24 months long, 3 months shorter than the previous plan.<ref name="Revised. Kate Brannen">{{cite web|title=U.S. Army To Host GCV Industry Day Oct. 1|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4787079&c=LAN&s=TOP|work=Defense News|access-date=22 September 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=22 September 2010}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase was to be 48 months long.<ref name="revised program Industry day">{{cite web|title=GCV Industry Day|url=http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/GCV%20Industry%20Day%20Brief%20Oct%2010%20Charts.pdf|access-date=13 November 2010|date=1 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722184210/http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/GCV%20Industry%20Day%20Brief%20Oct%2010%20Charts.pdf|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Army planned on acquiring 1,874 GCVs to replace Bradleys in 16 active and 8 National Guard Heavy Brigade Combat Teams.<ref name="BAE">{{cite news |title=BAE Offers 70-ton GCV |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20120324/NEWS/203240316/Heavyweight-contender-BAE-offers-70-ton-GCV |work=Army Times |publisher=Gannett |date=27 March 2012}}</ref>

;Milestone A
[[File:Namer in US.jpg|thumb|A Namer APC during Non-Developmental Vehicle assessment]]
[[File:CV9035 assessment (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A CV-9035 demonstrator vehicle for the Non-Developmental Vehicle assessment]] 
Testing of commercially available combat vehicles began in May 2012 at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range to prepare the Army for Milestone B. The Non-Developmental Vehicle analysis assessed five vehicles, the M2A3 Bradley, [[Engineering:Namer|Namer]], [[Engineering:Combat Vehicle 90|CV-9035]], a double v-hulled M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle and a turretless Bradley. The tests, completed that month, were carried out to determine what vehicle variants and configurations fulfill the Army's needs.<ref name="NDV Assessments">{{cite news |title=Army assesses current vehicles as part of Ground Combat Vehicle development process |author=Ashley Piper |url=http://www.army.mil/article/80185/The_Desert_Heats_Up_as_GCV_Kicks_Off_Non_Developmental_Vehicle__NDV__Assessments/ |newspaper=Army News |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=8 June 2012 |archive-date=5 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605102404/http://www.army.mil/article/80185/The_Desert_Heats_Up_as_GCV_Kicks_Off_Non_Developmental_Vehicle__NDV__Assessments/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army found that although the vehicles assessed met some GCV requirements, no currently fielded vehicle met enough without needing significant redesign.<ref name="response">{{cite news |title=Army, industry slam CBO's scathing GCV report |url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2013/04/04/army-industry-slam-cbos-scathing-gcv-report |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Military.com |date=4 April 2013 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110011536/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2013/04/04/army-industry-slam-cbos-scathing-gcv-report |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Competitors
There were three competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.

*BAE Systems, [[Company:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], QinetiQ North America,  Saft Group, and iRobot were working jointly on development
*[[Company:General Dynamics Land Systems|General Dynamics Land Systems]] led a team that included [[Company:Lockheed Martin|Lockheed Martin]] and [[Company:Raytheon|Raytheon]]
*[[Company:Science Applications International Corporation|SAIC]] led a team that include [[Company:Boeing|Boeing]], [[Company:Krauss-Maffei Wegmann|Krauss-Maffei Wegmann]] and Rheinmetall Defence (not awarded EMD contract)

;Milestone C
A Milestone C decision could have been made in 2019.<ref name="weight">{{cite web|last=Cox|first=Matt|title=Army: GCV Needs to Be Big and Tracked|url=http://defensetech.org/2013/02/21/army-gcv-needs-to-be-big-and-tracked/|publisher=DefenseTech|access-date=February 26, 2013|date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125110203/http://www.defensetech.org/2013/02/21/army-gcv-needs-to-be-big-and-tracked/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Budget concerns and proposed cuts===
In December 2012, it was reported that the Army may need to cut $150 million from the GCV program in 2014, with deeper cuts between $600–700 million between 2014 and 2018. This put the program, one of the Army's highest priorities, at serious risk. With the drawdown of the War in Afghanistan and budgetary concerns, the expensive development of a new combat vehicle was not seen as feasible. BAE Systems and [[Company:General Dynamics|General Dynamics]] were each awarded engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase contracts in August 2011. The EMD phase was to last 48 months for both contractors. Senate appropriators were also concerned that the GCV would compete with the Army's other combat modernization priorities. Though the GCV would make up only 10 percent of the Army combat vehicle fleet, the Army had programmed 80 percent of its combat vehicle modernization budget for the GCV over the next five years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bertuca |first1=Tony |title=Massive GCV Cuts On The Table As Army 'Reviews' Program |url=http://insidedefense.com/201212052418071/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/massive-gcv-cuts-on-the-table-as-army-reviews-program/menu-id-926.html |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |issue=49 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=10 December 2012 |volume=24 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127175742/http://insidedefense.com/201212052418071/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/massive-gcv-cuts-on-the-table-as-army-reviews-program/menu-id-926.html#selection-361.1-361.56 |archive-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Revision===
The Army revised the GCV acquisition strategy in January 2013 to reduce risk and maintain affordability of the program. The revision extended the technology development phase by six months to give industry more time to refine vehicle designs. Milestone B would occur in 2014, with the selection of a single vendor for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program. Budgetary pressures caused the Army to reduce the number of vendors to be selected for EMD from two to one.<ref name="3rd revision">{{Cite news |date=18 January 2013 |title=Army Ground Combat Vehicle Acquisition Strategy Revised |work=Army Public Affairs |url=http://www.army.mil/article/94605/ |access-date=22 January 2013 |archive-date=24 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224212941/http://www.army.mil/article/94605/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army expected this change would save the DoD $2.5 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bertuca |first1=Tony |title=Move to single EMD vendor would save $2.5 billion: Pentagon Affirms Major GCV Program Changes For Billions In Savings |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24836807 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |issue=3 |date=21 January 2013 |volume=25 |jstor=24836807 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110221819/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24836807 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===CBO report===
In April 2013, the [[Organization:Congressional Budget Office|Congressional Budget Office]] (CBO) issued a report on the progress of the GCV program. The report questioned the program, estimated to cost $28 billion from 2014 to 2030, with the possibility of alternate vehicle options. While none met overall Army goals desired in the GCV, they offered advantages in being less costly and delayed. Planned GCV prototypes were heavy, weighing up to 84 tons, to be better protected and seat a nine-man squad. Officials said that a vehicle of that size would not be well suited to operations faced in Iraq or Afghanistan. Alternate vehicles would be cheaper and more maneuverable in urban settings. The CBO report analyzed four alternative options:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Michael |title=Report: GCV is worst choice to replace Bradley |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/04/03/report-gcv-is-worst-choice-to-replace-bradley/ |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=DoD Buzz |publisher=Military Advantage |date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023162044/https://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/04/03/report-gcv-is-worst-choice-to-replace-bradley/ |archive-date=23 October 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{cite report |date=April 2013 |title=The Army's Ground Combat Vehicle Program and Alternatives |url=https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/113th-congress-2013-2014/reports/44044-GCV-1column.pdf |publisher=Congressional Budget Office |access-date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828055104/https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/113th-congress-2013-2014/reports/44044-GCV-1column.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Purchase the Namer APC – Seats 9 soldiers with combat survival rates expected slightly higher than the GCV, and costs $9 billion less. The Namer has less ability to destroy other enemy vehicles and is less mobile. Production would be conducted in part domestically, but fielding would require collaboration with foreign companies and governments.
* Upgrade the Bradley IFV – An upgraded Bradley would be more lethal than the GCV against enemy forces and would probably survive combat at about the same rates as would the GCV, saving $19.8 billion. Upgrading the Bradley would make it "significantly more capable" than the GCV. The Bradley still only carries a 7-man squad and has less mobility.
* Purchase the [[Engineering:Puma (IFV)|Puma]] – More lethal than the GCV, combat survival and protection at better rates, and just as mobile. Purchasing the Puma would save $14.8 billion and was considered the most capable of the vehicles. Puma IFVs only carry six infantrymen, which would require five vehicles to replace every four Bradleys. Development and production would require collaboration with foreign companies and governments.
* Cancel the Ground Combat Vehicle – If the Army reconditioned its current Bradley instead of replacing them, the current capability of the IFV fleet could be maintained through 2030. The Army could continue to investigate ways to improve the current Bradleys, but it would not field any new or improved vehicles. The $24 billion saved in funding could be used on other programs.

General Dynamics and BAE Systems, who received contracts in the Ground Combat Vehicle program, criticized the CBO report, saying they used the wrong vehicle in its analysis. Officials from both companies said they used the wrong notional model of the GCV that did not account for the change in requirements made by the Army or the advancements made in the technology development phase of the program. They also criticized the comparisons of the other vehicles. The report factored cost, survivability, mobility, and lethality, ranking the GCV's capabilities as lower than all others. The Army questioned the suitability of existing design. An Army test of currently fielded vehicles in 2012 revealed that some met critical GCV requirements, but none met enough without needing significant redesign. They also note that lethality was judged with a 25&nbsp;mm cannon for analysis, before the Army planned to mount a 30&nbsp;mm cannon. The CBO report did give credit to cost, assuming the Army's goal of $13 million per vehicle. However, Pentagon cost assessments estimated the price at $16–$17 million per vehicle.<ref name="response"/>

===Funding cut and prioritization===
In July 2013, Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno warned that the GCV program might be delayed or possibly even cancelled because of the sequestration budget cuts. In August 2013, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined two basic results if the effects of sequestration continued: modernization programs like the GCV would be cut to maintain troop levels, or high-end capability efforts like the GCV would be preserved to continue modernization and keep equipment technologically advanced with troop levels being cut. Odierno was committed to balancing soldiers, readiness, and modernization, and was intent on the need for the Ground Combat Vehicle.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sisk |first1=Richard |title=Odierno: GCV in Danger of Cancelation |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/30/gcv-in-danger-of-cancelation.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=Military.com |publisher=Military Advantage |date=30 July 2013 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111014148/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/30/gcv-in-danger-of-cancelation.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ground Combat Vehicle may be delayed – or canceled |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130805/NEWS04/308050022/Ground-Combat-Vehicle-may-delayed-canceled |work=Army Times |publisher=Gannett |date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

Some reports suggested that the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program to replace the M113 family of vehicles was being favored over the GCV program. While procurement of the AMPV fleet would cost over $5 billion, the [[Engineering:Government Accountability Office|Government Accountability Office]] estimated the GCV fleet would cost $37 billion. A September 2013 [[Social:Congressional Research Service|Congressional Research Service]] report suggested that given budgetary constraints, the GCV program may be unrealistic, and that one potential discussion could focus on a decision by the Army to replace the GCV with the AMPV as their number one ground combat vehicle acquisition priority.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLeary |first1=Paul |title=US Army Looks To Delay, Increase Cost of AMPV Program |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131002/DEFREG02/310020011/US-Army-Looks-Delay-Increase-Cost-AMPV-Program |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=Defense News |publisher=Gannett Government Media Corporation |date=2 October 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131006111913/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131002/DEFREG02/310020011/US-Army-Looks-Delay-Increase-Cost-AMPV-Program |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> An October 2013 Congressional Budget Office report found that $16 billion could be saved over the next 13 years if the GCV were canceled in favor of Bradley upgrades.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bertuca |first1=Tony |title=Pros, cons and billions in savings: CBO Lays Out Potential Plan To Cancel Army's Ground Combat Vehicle |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24836079 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |issue=46 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=18 November 2013 |volume=25 |jstor=24836079 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110065705/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24836079 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Army leaders say having a large ground army is still necessary for deterrence and "[[Social:Regime change|regime change]]" operations. They also realize that their equipment will be mostly modernized versions of current equipment for the rest of the decade. Technologies from the GCV program are being explored, although development and procurement of a vehicle is not. By mid-November 2013, both BAE and General Dynamics designs had passed Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), but neither company had commenced building prototypes. The Army was increasingly willing to slow down the GCV program or push it back from EMD to research and development. While the Army had said previously that it was their highest priority acquisition program, they had since shifted their main modernization priority to an integrated electronic command network. Short-term incremental upgrades will be applied to existing weapons systems to keep them from becoming obsolete, and advanced technologies available in the future will be used to build entirely new systems when funding is restored.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freedberg Jr. |first1=Sydney J. |title=Big Army For Big Wars? Yes! GCV? Probably Not. |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2013/11/army-regime-change-maybe-gcv-probably-not/ |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=Breaking Defense |publisher=Breaking Media |date=13 November 2013 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111015648/https://breakingdefense.com/2013/11/army-regime-change-maybe-gcv-probably-not/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2014, a spending bill passed by the House appropriated $100 million for the GCV program, even though the Army had requested $592 million for the program for FY2014. The Army planned to spend 80 percent of its ground vehicle modernization budget on the GCV over the next five years, with costs ranging from $29–34 billion depending on overruns and setbacks. Several options were being considered to make the program more affordable, including reducing the squad size from nine men and using new emerging and undeveloped technologies to reduce the weight of the vehicle to 30 tons for operations in urban environments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacon |first=Lance M. |date=15 January 2014 |title=Ground Combat Vehicle Budget Slashed, Cancellation More Likely |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140115/NEWS05/301150035/Ground-combat-vehicle-budget-slashed-cancellation-more-likely |access-date=15 January 2014 |website=Military Times |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116014114/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140115/NEWS05/301150035/Ground-combat-vehicle-budget-slashed-cancellation-more-likely |url-status=live }}</ref> The two contractors would run out of money for development of their prototype vehicles by June 2014 unless the Army funded the rest of the technology development phase. The Pentagon and Army tried to find ways to continue the program, without actually starting vehicle production, through new technologies like advanced fire control systems and hybrid engines. Although the Army wanted 1,894 Ground Combat Vehicles with a target price of $9–10.5 million per unit, the Pentagon's Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation estimated a unit cost of up to $17 million.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140119182437/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140118/DEFSECT02/301180024/US-Army-s-GCV-Program-Downgraded-Study-Project US Army's GCV Program Downgraded To Study Project] – Defensenews.com, 18 January 2014</ref> The 83 percent cut in funding essentially scaled back the GCV program to a research effort. The program had declined in support over the past months with the Army determining that the desired vehicle was no longer feasible in the near term due to budget reductions, suspicion from the contractors that the program would not move past technology development, and Congress's believing it would not succeed.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/01/22/gcvs-loss-will-reset-army-buying-priorities.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm GCV's Loss Will Reset Army Buying Priorities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201203206/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/01/22/gcvs-loss-will-reset-army-buying-priorities.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=1 February 2014 }} – Military.com, 22 January 2014</ref>

In January 2014, General Odierno confirmed that the Ground Combat Vehicle program was being put on hold due to budget difficulties. Odierno said that the Army needed a new IFV but that they could not afford one at the time. Odierno said that he was pleased with the requirements for the vehicle and that progress and development with the contractors was good. "Leap-ahead technologies" that make the vehicle light and mobile while still being protected against RPGs and roadside bombs are still desired. In the past decade, mobility was traded for protection, but Army war games caused the service to decide it will need small, mobile formations to be deployed quickly in the future, and recent conflicts showed the need for expeditionary forces to be transported quickly to remote areas in small packages with as little support as possible; weight estimates of 70 tons for the GCV IFV did not make it easily deployable. The Army may direct some funds for technology development so it can start another program within "three to four years."<ref name="defensenews23jan14">[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140124134526/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140123/DEFREG02/301230041/US%2DArmy%2DChief%2DConfirms%2DGround%2DCombat%2DVehicle%2DDead%2DNow%2D US Army Chief Confirms: Ground Combat Vehicle Is Dead (For Now)] – Defensenews.com, 23 January 2014</ref> Science and technology investments were to be made to address the size and weight of armored ground vehicles to make it easier and cheaper to transport greater numbers of them across the world.<ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140128/NEWS/301280010/Army-leaders-preview-lighter-faster-service "Army leaders preview lighter, faster service"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128161012/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140128/NEWS/301280010/Army-leaders-preview-lighter-faster-service |date=28 January 2014 }}, ''Military Times'', 28 January 2014</ref>

==Weight issues==
In November 2012, estimates of the GCV's weight, depending on armor packages, put the General Dynamics entry vehicle at 64–70 tons, and the BAE Systems entry vehicle at 70–84 tons. This made the planned infantry fighting vehicle designs heavier than the [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1 Abrams]] tank. The reason was the vehicle had to have enough armor to protect a squad of nine troops from all battlefield threats (from [[Engineering:Rocket-propelled grenade|rocket-propelled grenade]]s to IEDs) as good as or better than other vehicles can protect against specific threats individually. This worked against the vehicle; as weight increases, cost goes up and maneuverability goes down. The contractors worked to bring the weight down.<ref>{{Citation |title=Bradley Offspring, GCV, May Top 84 Tons, Heavier Than M1 Tank |date=November 8, 2012 |url=http://defense.aol.com/2012/11/08/bradley-offspring-gcv-may-top-84-tons-hheavier-than-m1-tank/ |work=Defense |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112072248/http://defense.aol.com/2012/11/08/bradley-offspring-gcv-may-top-84-tons-hheavier-than-m1-tank |publisher=AOL |access-date=2012-11-13 |archive-date=2012-11-12 |url-status=dead}}.</ref> The Army maintained that heavy armor was needed to protect the squad from acceleration forces that come with an underside blast, and that thicker underbelly plates and [[Engineering:V-hull|V-shaped hulls]] do not give enough protection. More armor would come from the vehicle being larger for more internal space for the soldiers, and to allow for features such as floating floors for blast deflection and extra headroom. The Army also said heavy weight would not affect deployability because the Bradley it was planned to replace already requires strategic airlift [[Engineering:Military transport aircraft|transport aircraft]].<ref name="weight"/>

Both contractors claimed their designs were below the 70–84 tons expectation of what the GCV will weigh. BAE's vehicle weighed 60–70 tons, based on modular armor package, and a 20 percent margin for weight increase the Army had planned for future upgrades would bring it up to 84 tons. General Dynamic's vehicle with a diesel engine weighed 62 tons in its most heavily armored configuration, which increased to 76 tons with the 20 percent future upgrade margin. Removing protection for easier air transportation would have reduced it to 56 tons. The Army's consideration to slow down the GCV development program gave time to the companies to refine their designs and reduce weight. One way would have been to reduce squad size. A nine-man squad has been identified as best for being able to fight with the possibility of taking casualties with single-vehicle transportability. With a three-man crew, the GCV had to carry 12 men. A greater number of lighter IFVs that carry fewer soldiers would have similar carrying capacity and combined costs and weight to planned GCV numbers. Another way would be an advance in armor designs. Lighter and stronger armor materials had not made radical progressions in recent history, and domestic active protection intercept systems were not yet mature. Foreign systems like the Israeli Trophy had seen combat but cannot yet intercept tank shells. The GCV program originally included an APS, but was then delayed as a feature for later upgrades. The last effort to replace the Bradley had been FCS from 2003 to 2009, which developed a vehicle that relied on sensors to avoid danger and an APS in place of heavy armor. It was too ambitious for the time and the vehicle's weight had grown from 19 tons to 30 tons by the time it was cancelled.<ref>{{Citation |title=BAE, GD: We Can Cut Weight From Army's GCV |date=27 November 2013 |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2013/11/bae-general-dynamics-we-can-get-weight-down-on-army-gcv/ |work=Breaking defense |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040225/http://breakingdefense.com/2013/11/bae-general-dynamics-we-can-get-weight-down-on-army-gcv/ |url-status=live }}.</ref>

==Termination==
In February 2014, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel canceled the GCV, accepting the Army's request to do so.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bertuca |first1=Tony |last2=Judson |first2=Jen |title=Hagel Cuts Army's Size, Kills GCV, Backs Service Aviation Restructure Plans |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/insipent.30.9.18 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Pentagon |issue=9 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=27 February 2014 |volume=30 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110063305/https://www.jstor.org/stable/insipent.30.9.18 |url-status=live }}</ref> Army acquisition executive Heidi Shyu said that criticism of the program was "unfortunate" and cancelling it had nothing to do with vehicle performance. Shyu said the program had been doing "remarkably well" and wasn't having technical issues, and that the contracts were being executed well. The decision to cancel development was based entirely on budget calculations, with no possible way to come up with funds no matter how many other areas were reduced  Money will be redistributed to engineering change proposals (ECP) on existing platforms until budget difficulties pass to allow investment in next-generation capabilities in about seven years.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140301164158/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140225/DEFREG02/302250025/US-Army-Official-Defends-GCV-Against-Attacks- US Army Official Defends GCV Against 'Attacks'] - Defensenews.com, 25 February 2014</ref>

The decision had to be made to either exclusively fund the GCV or ECPs, so upgrades were chosen for the Bradley, Abrams, Stryker, and M109 Paladin. Vehicles like the Bradley and Abrams have been upgraded since the 1980s with new armor, sensors, and other gear that have maxed out the platforms for further horsepower and electrical advances, so the requirement for an entirely new ground combat vehicle built from the outset from lessons learned in combat from the previous decade remains.<ref>[http://breakingdefense.com/2014/03/shyu-sings-the-army-electric-services-2015-budget-sacrifices-weapons-for-electronics/ Shyu Sings The Army Electric: 2015 Budget Sacrifices Weapons For Electronics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309184610/http://breakingdefense.com/2014/03/shyu-sings-the-army-electric-services-2015-budget-sacrifices-weapons-for-electronics/ |date=9 March 2014 }} - Breakingdefense.com, 3 March 2014</ref> The Army's own budget proposal unveiled in March discontinued the program, and instead funds were shifted to the AMPV program as the main vehicle priority and to improving the Bradley IFV in the interim until more resources become available.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/03/04/army-2015-budget-kills-gcv-cuts-readiness/ Army 2015 Budget Kills GCV, Cuts Readiness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306015030/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/03/04/army-2015-budget-kills-gcv-cuts-readiness/ |date=6 March 2014 }} - DoDBuzz.com, 4 March 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.army.mil/article/121217/FY15_Army_budget__request_includes_small_pay_raise__490K_end_strength/ FY15 Army budget, request includes small pay raise, 490K end strength] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306033351/http://www.army.mil/article/121217/FY15_Army_budget__request_includes_small_pay_raise__490K_end_strength/ |date=6 March 2014 }} - Army.mil, 4 March 2014</ref> Incremental improvements will be made to current vehicle fleets to improve protection and networking abilities. $131 million will be directed into science and technology to look at the feasibility of future combat vehicle technologies, and Secretary Hagel has directed the Army, as well as the Marine Corps, to deliver "realistic" visions for vehicle modernization by the end of FY 2014.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140310100134/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1435 Army Budget Makes Force Structure, Modernization Cuts Official] - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 4 March 2014</ref>

The cancellation of the GCV is the second time in 15 years an Army program to replace the Bradley has failed. FCS ran from 1999 to 2009, with the Manned Ground Vehicles portion for replacing several armored vehicle classes costing "hundreds of millions" of dollars out of $20 billion total. From 2010 to 2014, the Army spent over $1 billion on the GCV. Although there was criticism that vehicle weight could not be kept at a reasonable level while meeting its size and power requirements, the Army maintains the official reason for the cancellation was budgetary pressures. BAE Systems and General Dynamics will each receive $50 million in FY 2015 to continue technology development. The next follow-up IFV development program is currently named the Future Fighting Vehicle (FFV).<ref name="defensenews6april14" />

===Continued technology development===
On 18 July 2014, BAE and General Dynamics were awarded $7.9 million study contracts for technical, cost, and risk assessments to salvage subsystems and other technologies created under the GCV for use in the FFV system. General Dynamics will utilize the GCV integrated propulsion and mobility subsystems Automotive Test Rig (ATR), and the conventional drive integrated propulsion subsystem, while BAE will utilize the GCV TD phase integrated hybrid-electric propulsion and mobility subsystems ATR and the hybrid-electric integrated propulsion subsystem (Hotbuck).<ref name="auto1">[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-attempts-to-salvage-gcv-technology-advances/ Army Attempts to Salvage GCV Technology Advances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403113200/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-attempts-to-salvage-gcv-technology-advances/ |date=3 April 2015 }} - Defensemedianetwork.com, 25 July 2014</ref><ref name="auto">[http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/08/gcv-ffv-technologies.html Army asks BAE Systems and General Dynamics to recycle GCV vetronics for Future Fighting Vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820095142/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/08/gcv-ffv-technologies.html |date=20 August 2014 }} - Militaryaerospace.com, 18 August 2014</ref>

==Design==
Following the cancelation of the Future Combat Systems family the Army assessed that a new [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|infantry fighting vehicle]] (IFV) would be its first priority with the GCV program. The Army determined that it would reset the [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1 Abrams]] [[Engineering:Main battle tank|main battle tank]], the [[Engineering:M2 Bradley|M2 Bradley]] IFV and the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer in the meantime while the GCV was undergoing development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Censer |first1=Marjorie |title=First Configuration to Be Infantry Fighting Vehicle: Chiarelli: Ground Combat Vehicle Will Be 'Upgradeable,' Versatile |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24831175 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Inside the Army |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=14 September 2009 |jstor=24831175 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110231426/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24831175 |url-status=live }}</ref> The GCV could later serve as the common [[Engineering:Chassis|chassis]] for a family of vehicles to replace legacy armored vehicles.<ref name="Lance & Shield">{{Cite web |title=US Army Defines Ground Combat Vehicles (GCV) Priorities |url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0909/news/220909_ground_combat_vehicle.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316211643/http://defense-update.com/newscast/0909/news/220909_ground_combat_vehicle.html |archive-date=16 March 2010 |access-date=29 March 2010 |website=Defense Update |publisher=Lance & Shield}}</ref>

The Army emphasized affordability, rapid deployment, and low risk technology for the GCV. The Army required that all aspects of the GCV be at [[Engineering:Technology readiness level|technology readiness level]] 6.<ref name="Greg">{{cite web|title=Army Wants Tough GCV Battle|url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/03/05/army-wants-tough-gcv-competition/|publisher=Military Advantage|access-date=11 August 2010|author=Greg Grant|date=March 5, 2010|archive-date=24 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424200807/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/03/05/army-wants-tough-gcv-competition/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="contracting.tacom.army.mil">{{cite web|url=http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/attach/Attch%200001_GCV%20IFV%20Statement%20of%20Work_RFP%20Amendments.pdf|title=Ground Combat Vehicle Infantry Fighting Vehicle Statement of Work|work=United States Army|date=March 15, 2009|access-date=April 7, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The shortfalls of rapid deployment would be mitigated through an incremental addition of components as technology matures.<ref name=Optimizing>{{cite web |url=http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/GCV%20Narrative.pdf |title=The Ground Combat Vehicle Strategy: Optimizing for the Future |publisher=U.S. Army |access-date=December 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430044607/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/GCV%20Narrative.pdf |archive-date=April 30, 2011 }}</ref> The Army provided details from the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) effort to utilize on the GCV.<ref name="contracting.tacom.army.mil"/> The GCV was required to have better protection than any vehicle in the military's inventory.<ref name="Industry day 1"/>

Army General Peter W. Chiarelli said that the "four main fundamentals" of the vehicle were: The ability to carry 12 soldiers and operate in all forms of combat; have significant protection; and deliver the first production vehicle by 2018.<ref name="$462 million">{{cite web|title=Fewer FCS Technologies for GCV Round Two|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4787151&c=LAN&s=TOP|work=Defense News|access-date=23 September 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=22 September 2010}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The IFV would be [[Modular design|modular]] and [[Engineering:BCT Network|networked]] and offer improved survivability, mobility, and power management functions. The GCV family would use technologies pioneered with the IFV lead vehicle effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0909/news/220909_ground_combat_vehicle.html|title=U.S. Army Defines Ground Combat Vehicles (GCV) Priorities|work=Defense Update|access-date=March 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316211643/http://defense-update.com/newscast/0909/news/220909_ground_combat_vehicle.html|archive-date=March 16, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Specific design elements of the GCV were contracted out, though the Army designed the architecture and retained overall responsibility for synchronization. This contrasted with the former FCS Manned Ground Vehicles program where contractors had more control over the design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramienski |first=Dorothy |date=8 July 2009 |title=Army Implements New BCT Modernization Quickly after FCS |url=http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=35&sid=1713120 |access-date=14 December 2009 |website=Federal News Radio |publisher=WFED |archive-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131051342/http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=35&sid=1713120 |url-status=live }}</ref> The GCV was to be networked and offer improved survivability. Elements of the Manned Ground Vehicles program were provided—such as the armor matrix—were provided to contractors to be utilized in design proposals for the GCV.<ref name="Lance & Shield"/>

===Network===
[[File:File-BCT Ground Combat Vehicle Program2.jpg|thumb|right|The GCV was planned to be networked.]]
The GCV was to be operable with the current ''battle command control and communications suite'' but would gradually use a more state-of-the-art networked integration system known as the [[Engineering:BCT Network|BCT Network]]. It would provide exportable electrical power, and a battery charging capability for external hardware including vehicles and electronics from the BCT Soldier subsystems. The system would be capable of integration with unmanned systems and dismounted soldiers.<ref name="GCVspecs">{{Cite web |title=US Army Outlines Ground Combat Vehicles Priorities |url=http://defense-update.com/features/2010/january/gcv_army_details_100110.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116124203/http://www.defense-update.com/features/2010/january/gcv_army_details_100110.html |archive-date=16 January 2010 |access-date=26 January 2010 |website=Defense Update |publisher=Lance & Shield}}</ref><ref name="Future Operational Concepts">{{Cite web |date=August 2010 |title=The Ground Combat Vehicle In the Conduct of Future Operational Concepts |url=http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/GCV%20CONOPS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011202739/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/GCV%20CONOPS.pdf |archive-date=2010-10-11 |accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref>

The Mounted Soldier System was to enhance situational awareness through wireless communications and input from vehicle sensors and external sources such as other vehicles.<ref name="MSS" />

=== Electrical power ===
The IFV would provide exportable electrical power, and battery charging capability for soldier systems.<ref name="GCVspecs"/>

===Mobility===
The GCV must have been transportable by cargo aircraft, rail, and ship. The Army required it to meet the availability rates of the current [[Engineering:Stryker|Stryker]]. The Army did not limit the vehicle by the dimensions of the C-130 Hercules, which, in the past, constrained many designs. Air mobility would be provided by the more spacious C-17 Globemaster III. The GCV was to have good cross-country mobility, with a baseline requirement of 30&nbsp;mph off-road speed. The GCV should have delivered higher sustainability levels and consume less fuel than the Bradley or other vehicles of similar weight and power.<ref name="GCVspecs" /> The military was accepting both tracked and wheeled designs.<ref name="IFVspecs" /> The operational maintenance cost requirement of the GCV was up to $200 per mile, compared to $168 per mile for the M2 Bradley.<ref>{{Citation |title=Abrams Dieselization Project: Doing the Math |date=7 November 2013 |url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/abrams-dieselization-project-doing-the-math/ |publisher=Defense media network |access-date=10 November 2013 |archive-date=10 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110185059/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/abrams-dieselization-project-doing-the-math/ |url-status=live }}.</ref>

In its standard configuration the IFV would have a crew of three and carry a squad of nine. The vehicle could be reconfigured to support casualty evacuation. The Army stated no preference as to whether the IFV should be tracked or wheeled but suggested that it be tracked due to the weight stemming from the requirements.<ref name="IFVspecs">{{Cite web |last=Chavanne |first=Bettina |date=4 December 2009 |title=New Combat Vehicle for U.S. Army |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FGCV120409.xml |website=Aviationweek |access-date=8 December 2009 |archive-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429005938/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FGCV120409.xml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="lighter">{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=21 June 2010 |title=Casey: Make Ground Combat Vehicle lighter |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/06/army_gcv_casey_062110w/ |access-date=16 August 2010 |work=Army Times}}</ref>

===Offensive capabilities===
The Army wanted the vehicle to feature a commander's weapons station, [[Engineering:Autocannon|autocannon]], coaxial weapon, and an [[Engineering:Anti-tank guided missile|anti-tank guided missile]] system. The weapons suite had to be manually operable when damaged and the commander's weapon station had to incorporate a shield.<ref name="Industry day 1">{{Cite web |last=Kash |first = MT |title=Industry day #1 |url=http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/ID_1_Master_19Oct091.pptx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722183427/http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/ID_1_Master_19Oct091.pptx |archive-date=22 July 2011 |access-date=19 September 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Additionally, a dismountable anti-armor weapon would be carried on board.<ref name="Industry day 1" /> The Army also stated that the weapon suite would emphasize modularity, be able to defeat other IFVs, and provide non-lethal capability to enable use in civilian environments.<ref name="GCVspecs"/><ref name="Optimizing"/>

The Army evaluated weapons solutions ranging from 25&nbsp;mm to 50&nbsp;mm caliber, but 30x173mm was identified as "the most likely" design to meet lethality and stowed kill requirements. Specific requirements were for airburst capability to defeat infantry targets (with high explosive incendiary recognized as a "less effective alternative"), armor-piercing rounds to defeat material threats, and training ammunition for each tactical round. Potential candidates included five U.S. produced and three foreign-made rounds. In August 2013, a sources sought announcement was made for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement for 30x173 mm ammunition: High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer (HEI-T), Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T); Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T); and Target Practice Discarding Sabot-Tracer (TPDS-T). The announcement called for the cartridges to be compatible with the Bushmaster III weapon system, such as XM813 and/or [[Engineering:Mk44 Bushmaster II|Mk 44 Mod 1]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gourley |first1=Scott R. |title=Army Refines 30mm Ammunition Efforts for GCV |url=https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-refines-30mm-ammunition-efforts-for-gcv/ |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Defense Media Network |date=18 August 2013 |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106230954/https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/army-refines-30mm-ammunition-efforts-for-gcv/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Countermeasures===
The Army wanted the GCV to have a passive blast protection level equal to the [[Engineering:MRAP|MRAP]] and would utilize hit avoidance systems.<ref name="GCVspecs"/> The Army wanted to install an active protection system on the Ground Combat Vehicle. BAE tested the Artis LLC Iron Curtain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7095:us-army-two-contenders-gear-up-for-gcv-active-protection-&catid=37:north-america&Itemid=59 |title=US Army; Two contenders gear up for GCV active protection |publisher=Defence Market Intelligence |date=June 24, 2013 |accessdate=2015-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020063524/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7095:us-army-two-contenders-gear-up-for-gcv-active-protection-&catid=37:north-america&Itemid=59 |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and General Dynamics demonstrated a version of the Israeli Trophy system.<ref>[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20131020024825/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131015/DEFREG02/310150018/US-Israeli-Team-Demo-APS-Canada US-Israeli Team To Demo APS for Canada] - Defensenews.com, 15 October 2013</ref> By incorporating an APS, the GCV would only need 18 tons of ballistic armor protection, compared to 52 tons of armor required without it. Developers were considering modular armor technology, with the ability to add on and remove armor plates depending on threat levels and mission requirements.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Osborn |first1=Kris |title=Army Looks Beyond Armor to Upgrade Vehicle Fleet |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/10/30/army-looks-beyond-armor-to-upgrade-vehicle-fleet.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Military.com |date=30 October 2013 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110003233/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/10/30/army-looks-beyond-armor-to-upgrade-vehicle-fleet.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Mounted Soldier System (MSS) was being developed for GCV crew members.<ref name="Industry day 1" /><ref name="MSS">{{Cite web |date=May 2010 |title=Mounted Soldier System (MSS) |url=https://peosoldier.army.mil/FactSheets/PMSWAR/SWAR_MSS_MSS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5sDUDTRYy?url=https://peosoldier.army.mil/FactSheets/PMSWAR/SWAR_MSS_MSS.pdf |archive-date=2010-08-24 |access-date=9 August 2010}}</ref> Dismounted leaders would utilize the Ground Soldier Systems.<ref name="Industry day 1" />

Thermal management and acoustic noise reduction would be utilized to avoid detection. The vehicle would be able to avoid threats by laying obscurants. An array of hit avoidance systems would be leveraged and the Army offered the various active protection systems developed for the Manned Ground Vehicle program.<ref name="Industry day 1" /> The GCV enabled the detection and neutralization of mines at standoff ranges.<ref name="mine neutalizer">{{cite web|title=Towards a Comprehensive Vehicle Strategy|url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2009combatvehicle/GeneralVane.pdf|date=13 October 2009|access-date=20 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927173742/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2009combatvehicle/GeneralVane.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The vehicle was to be equipped with an engagement detection system. The Army required the IFV to have the passive blast protection level equal to the MRAP.<ref name="GCVspecs"/>

The Army made available the composition of the armor of the Manned Ground Vehicle program. A transparent armor shield would provide protection for the vehicle commander when exposed through the turret. In addition, a Vehicle Health Management System would provide vehicle diagnostic monitoring systems for commanders. A fire suppression system and ammunition detonation protection would be utilized for damage control.<ref name="Industry day 1" />

A secondary squad egress was to be provided for the squad to exit in emergencies.<ref name="Industry day 1" />

== Tactics ==
The Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant was intended to fill the infantry transport role in Heavy Brigade Combat Teams replacing the aging M2 Bradley.<ref name="Optimizing" />

In the U.S. Army, as part of the ongoing restructuring, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Brigades would have 62 IFV's, battalions would have 29, and platoons would have 4.<ref name="Future Operational Concepts" /><ref name="GCV PROGRAM PLAN">{{Cite web |date=29 January 2010 |title=GCV PROGRAM PLAN |url=http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/attach/Attch%200008_GCV%20Program%20Schedule.pdf |access-date=5 August 2010}}{{dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Platoons were to be led by platoon leader GCV which would be accompanied by platoon medic, forward observer, Radio Transmission Operator, and other attachments and would command three other GCVs.<ref name="Future Operational Concepts" />

The Army placed importance on the GCV's ability to carry a full nine-man squad. Numerous Army studies have concluded that a squad, made up of two fireteams, should be composed of nine to eleven soldiers. The M2 Bradley cannot carry a complete squad from one vehicle, creating risk when transitioning from mounted to dismounted operations. The Bradley's lower carrying capacity was accepted for greater (than previous vehicles) mounted lethality and cost savings, leading to squads being broken apart for transport. A GCV with a nine-man squad would have allowed the squad leader to control and communicate with the squad while mounted, simplify the transition to dismounted operations in complex terrain, and allow the squad to conduct independent fire and maneuver immediately upon dismount. Replacing the Bradley on a one-for-one basis would have four GCVs per mechanized infantry platoon carrying one full nine-man squad in a single vehicle, with three vehicles carrying squads and one carrying the platoon's organic and attached enablers.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Held |first1=Bruce |last2=Lorell |first2=Mark A. |last3=Quinlivan |first3=James T. |last4=Chad C. |first4=Serena |title=Understanding Why a Ground Combat Vehicle That Carries Nine Dismounts Is Important to the Army |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR184.html |publisher=Rand Corporation |year=2013 |access-date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110001910/https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR184.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle.jpg|thumb|right|A notional GCV]]

The Army was using an incremental approach to combat vehicle modernization, centered on the Ground Combat Vehicle. The deployment was to be synchronized with upgrades, reset, and divestiture of existing vehicles. Vehicles displaced by the IFV may then replace selected M113 family of vehicles such as command and control, medical evacuation, and mortar carrier, allowing the Army to begin divestiture of the M113 family of vehicles. Upgrades to existing Bradley and Stryker vehicles may have been considered as risk mitigation based on the rate at which the GCV was introduced.<ref name="Optimizing"/><ref name="Details">{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=10 September 2009 |title=U.S. Army Details Ground Combat Vehicle Plans |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4271063&c=AME&s=LAN |access-date=13 December 2009 |website=Defense News }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Although upgraded, the Bradley and Stryker would also be replaced in the midterm.<ref name=Optimizing/>

===Infantry Fighting Vehicle===
The Infantry Fighting Vehicle superseded the previous infantry carrier replacement effort, the XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle of the FCS MGV program.<ref name="replace">{{Cite web |date=21 July 2009 |title=Army Partially Terminates FCS Manned Ground Vehicle |url=http://www.asdnews.com/news/21975/Army_Partially_Terminates_FCS_Manned_Ground_Vehicle.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501092632/http://www.asdnews.com/news/21975/Army_Partially_Terminates_FCS_Manned_Ground_Vehicle.htm |archive-date=1 May 2011 |access-date=27 January 2010 |website=ASD News}}</ref> The IFV was to hold a crew of three and a squad of nine.<ref name=IFVspecs/>

== Competitors ==
;Competitors
There were four known competing contractors for the Ground Combat Vehicle contract.

[[File:BAE Northrop GCV.jpg|thumb|right|A concept image of a BAE contender]]
*BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, QinetiQ and Saft Group were working jointly on development.<ref>{{cite web|work=BusinessWeek|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9E62TB00.htm|title=BAE, Northrop to develop new ground combat vehicle|agency=The Associated Press|date=March 1, 2010|accessdate=|archive-date=30 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130165545/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9E62TB00.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The program was managed by Mark Signorelli.<ref name="BAE 1">{{cite web|title=BAE Offers Hybrid-Electric Combat Vehicle|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/2010/06/bae-offers-hybridelectric.php|publisher=National Journal Group Inc|accessdate=18 June 2010|author=Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.}} {{dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="BAE Businessweek">{{cite web|title=BAE, Northrop expand team to bid on Army contract|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9H6UDBO2.htm|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|accessdate=27 July 2010|date=26 July 2010|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025225229/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9H6UDBO2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team believed it could field the vehicle up to two years sooner than projected.<ref name=ausa /> Development cost were "tens of millions of dollars".<ref name="GCV reform 2">{{cite web|title=Army sees new rules for combat vehicles soon|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69L55W20101022|publisher=Thomson Reuters|accessdate=23 October 2010|author=Andrea Shalal-Esa|date=22 October 2010|archive-date=25 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025052846/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69L55W20101022|url-status=live}}</ref>

:*'''Work breakdown'''<ref name="BAE Businessweek" />
::*BAE would provide general vehicle design, program management, integration of the vehicle components.
::*Northrop Grumman would provide technology pertaining to command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
::*QinetiQ would provide the electric drive propulsion system.
::*Saft would provide the energy storage system.

:*'''Features'''
::*Tracked with an [http://www.baesystems.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/mdaw/mtew/~edisp/baes_102040.pdf E-X-Drive] hybrid-electric engine.<ref name="BAE Businessweek" />
::*Baseline weight of 53 tons with a weight tolerance of 75 tons for modular armor.<ref name="BAE GCV">{{cite web|title=Firm wants Army to use hybrid technology on GCV|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/07/army_gcv_hybrid_electric_072610w/|work=Army Times |access-date=27 July 2010|last=Brannen |first=Kate|date=26 July 2010}}</ref>
::*Manned turret.<ref name="BAE GCV" />
::*Leveraged a [[Engineering:V-hull|V-hull]] and Hard-Kill and Soft-Kill active protection systems.<ref name="BAE shape">{{cite web|title=BAE-Northrop GCV Hybrid Drive A Gamble|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2010/07/28/06.xml&headline=BAE-Northrop%20GCV%20Hybrid%20Drive%20A%20Gamble|publisher=The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc|access-date=28 July 2010|author=Michael Fabey|date=28 July 2010}}{{dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="BAE’s GCV">{{cite web|title=BAE's GCV Weighs 53 Tons, Hybrid|publisher=Military Advantage|author=Colin Clark|date=28 July 2010|url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2010/07/28/baes-gcv-weighs-53-tons-hybrid|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106214726/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2010/07/28/baes-gcv-weighs-53-tons-hybrid|url-status=live}}</ref>
::*Wider and taller than a Bradley. All or most of the storage was internal accounting for the extra size.<ref name="BAE shape" />

*[[Company:General Dynamics Land Systems|General Dynamics Land Systems]], [[Company:Lockheed Martin|Lockheed Martin]], [[Company:Detroit Diesel|Detroit Diesel]] and [[Company:Raytheon|Raytheon]] were working jointly on development.<ref name="General Dynamics">{{cite web|title=General Dynamics Team Submits Army Ground Combat Vehicle Proposal|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-team-submits-army-ground-combat-vehicle-proposal-94578069.html|work=PR Newswire|access-date=21 May 2010|archive-date=24 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524080009/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-team-submits-army-ground-combat-vehicle-proposal-94578069.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

:*'''Work breakdown'''<ref name="General Dynamics" />
::*General Dynamics Land Systems led the team as systems integrator and was responsible for soldier interfaces and chassis.
::*Lockheed Martin would develop the turret and weaponry.
::*Detroit Diesel would develop the propulsion system.
::*Raytheon would develop the active protection systems, sensors.

:*'''Features'''
::*Used conventional diesel.<ref name="BAE 1" />
::*Used active protection systems.<ref name="General Dynamics" />

*SAIC led a consortium called Team Full Spectrum which included Boeing, Krauss-Maffei and Rheinmetall.<ref name="ausa">{{cite web|title=Ground Combat Vehicle|url=http://www.ausa.org/publications/armymagazine/archive/2010/8/Documents/SA_0810.pdf|publisher=AUSA|access-date=21 August 2010|author=Scott R. Gourley|date=August 2010|archive-date=27 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827080523/http://www.ausa.org/publications/armymagazine/archive/2010/8/Documents/SA_0810.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The SAIC consortium is using a derivative of the Puma.<ref name="PUMA">{{cite web|last=White|first=Andrew|title=GCV shortlist revealed|url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/landwarfareint/gcv-shortlist-revealed/6378/|publisher=Shephard Group Limited.|access-date=21 May 2010|archive-date=25 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525151853/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/landwarfareint/gcv-shortlist-revealed/6378/|url-status=live}}</ref>

:*'''Work breakdown'''<ref name="PUMA" />
::*SAIC would lead the team as project manager.
::*Boeing would supply the weaponry.
::*Both Krauss-Maffei and Rheinmetall's roles were unknown.

:*'''Features'''
::*Larger, reconfigured Puma chassis.<ref name="PUMA" />
::*Used conventional diesel and a six-road-wheel configuration.<ref name="BAE 1" />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090305065136/http://www.advs.com/Site/Advanced%20Defense%20Vehicle%20Systems.html Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems] (ADVS) submitted its wheeled proposal which was rejected for being non-compliant. ADVS protested the decision, but withdrew it after the Army canceled the RfP.<ref name="ADVS"/><ref name="Crains resubmit"/>

:*'''Features'''
::*Wheeled.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan Company Protests Rejection Of Its Wheeled GCV Bid|url=https://defensenewsstand.com/Inside-the-Army/Inside-the-Army-06/28/2010/menu-id-288.html|publisher=Inside Washington Publishers|access-date=6 August 2010|date=June 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709010646/https://defensenewsstand.com/Inside-the-Army/Inside-the-Army-06/28/2010/menu-id-288.html|archive-date=2011-07-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===BAE Systems===
The BAE Systems GCV design had a steel-core hull and an integrated electronic network capability with embedded intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment. Its turret was unmanned. The centerpiece of the vehicle was its simplified drive train. It was propelled by a hybrid electric drive (HED), which was developed by Northrop Grumman, that produced 1,100&nbsp;kW of electricity. Advantages to it are fewer components and lower volume and weight compared to current power plants. The transmission was 40 percent smaller and the drive train had half the moving parts. The hybrid drive train cost 5 percent more than a mechanical system, but had a 20 percent reduction in life-cycle cost. The electric drive allows for smoother low-speed operation and less noise. The vehicle burned 20 percent less fuel while running, with 4.61 gallons (17.45 liters) per hour used while stationary. It had a top speed of 43&nbsp;mph (70&nbsp;km/h), could go from 0 to 20&nbsp;mph (32.18&nbsp;km/h) in 7.8 seconds, and had a range of {{convert|186|mi|km|abbr=on}} with a 255-gallon fuel capacity. Disadvantages to the BAE design included a weight of 70 tons and fuel efficiency of 0.73 mpg.<ref name="BAE"/><ref>[http://www.gizmag.com/bae-gcv-hybrid-tank/25113/ BAE Systems releases details of hybrid tank] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727011809/http://www.gizmag.com/bae-gcv-hybrid-tank/25113/ |date=27 July 2016 }} - Gizmag.com, November 22, 2012</ref> BAE integrated the Artis Iron Curtain active protection system to defeat incoming rockets and missiles before they can hit the vehicle. The Army conducted tests on the system in April 2013, and it successfully passed all tests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2013 |title=Iron Curtain Successful in Firing Tests |url=http://defense-update.com/20130429_iron-curtain-tested.html |publisher=Defense Update |access-date=2013-05-08 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518120741/https://defense-update.com/20130429_iron-curtain-tested.html |url-status=live }}</ref> BAE tested a system for the vehicle to drive in low visibility conditions using a [[Engineering:Humvee|Humvee]] with blacked out windows as a surrogate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Insinna |first1=Valerie |title=Undeterred By Possible Delays, BAE Continues Ground Combat Vehicle Development |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2013/8/28/undeterred-by-possible-delays-bae-continues-ground-combat-vehicle-development |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=National Defense |publisher=National Defense Industrial Association |date=28 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091246/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1245 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2013, the BAE GCV's hybrid electric drive completed 2,000 miles of testing on a fully integrated stationary test stand.<ref>{{cite news |title=BAE Systems Ground Combat Vehicle Hybrid Electric Drive successfully completed 2000 miles testing |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2013_defense_industry_military_army_news_uk/bae_systems_ground_combat_vehicle_hybrid_electric_drive_successfully_completed_2000_miles_testing.html |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=Army Recognition |date=27 August 2013 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111034244/https://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2013_defense_industry_military_army_news_uk/bae_systems_ground_combat_vehicle_hybrid_electric_drive_successfully_completed_2000_miles_testing.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although dramatic funding cuts for the GCV program in January 2014 put the very completion of the acquisition effort in jeopardy, funding remained for research on a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The BAE GCV's hybrid-electric engine is more fuel efficient, has fewer moving parts, and has faster acceleration than ordinary engines. While powering a vehicle concept that reached 70 tons proved impractical, its benefits of providing power for onboard electronics, silent overwatch, and short, stealthy movements are still promising. BAE has pledged to support future Army developmental efforts with technologies from their GCV entry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hopes Dim for BAE's 'Green' Combat Vehicle |url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2014/01/22/hopes-dim-for-baes-green-combat-vehicle |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Military.com |date=22 January 2014 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110024129/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2014/01/22/hopes-dim-for-baes-green-combat-vehicle |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2014, BAE Systems was awarded a $7.9 million study contract for technical, cost, and risk assessments to utilize the GCV TD phase integrated hybrid-electric propulsion and mobility subsystems Automotive Test Rig (ATR) and the hybrid-electric integrated propulsion subsystem (Hotbuck) for the Future Fighting Vehicle (FFV) effort.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>

===General Dynamics===
In October 2013, General Dynamics successfully completed a preliminary design review of their GCV design. Subsystem and component design reviews were held from August to October of that year and led to the four-day PDR. General Dynamics demonstrated their vehicle met Tier 1 affordability, reliability, and other requirements. The success of the PDR meant that the General Dynamics GCV IFV could be expected to be operationally effective and suitable.<ref>[https://archive.today/20131109162004/http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/general_dynamics_completed_preliminary_design_revuiew_of_gcv_ground_combat_vehicle_design_0911132.html General Dynamics completed Preliminary Design Review of Ground Combat Vehicle design] - Armyrecognition.com, 9 November 2013</ref>

== See also ==
;Vehicles
* Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, U.S. Army M113 replacement
* [[Engineering:Marine Personnel Carrier|Marine Personnel Carrier]], wheeled U.S. Marine Corps troop carrier
* Interim Armored Vehicle, a U.S. Army combat vehicle acquisition program that resulted in the [[Engineering:Stryker|Stryker]]
* [[Engineering:Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle|Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle]], a canceled U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle
* [[Engineering:M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle|M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle]], a wheeled U.S. Army troop carrier
* XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle, a canceled tracked U.S. Army infantry fighting vehicle
* Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, a current U.S. Army infantry fighting vehicle program (part of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle program)
* Future Rapid Effect System, the planned set of armored cavalry vehicles for the British Army
* [[Engineering:Namer|Namer]], a heavy infantry fighting vehicle of the Israeli Defence Forces
* [[Engineering:Puma (IFV)|SPz Puma]], an infantry fighting vehicle of the German Army
* [[Engineering:Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|GTK Boxer]], a wheeled German Army troop carrier
* Bionix AFV, tracked Singapore Army troop carrier
* [[Engineering:K21|K21]], tracked South Korean Army troop carrier
* Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie, a wheeled French Army troop carrier

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin}}
{{cite report |last1=Kempinski |first1=Bernard |last2=Murphy |first2=Christopher |date=November 2012 |title=Technical Challenges of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle Program  |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA591460.pdf |publisher=Congressional Budget Office |access-date= 20 September 2023}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Ground Combat Vehicle}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513234542/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/GCV_focus/index.html ''Official U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicle page'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100328045206/http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/majorsys/gcv/gcv.htm TACOM page]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100228204938/http://www.defense-update.com/products/g/gcv_25022010.html GCV on Defense-Update.com]
*[http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-02/why-armys-new-tank-so-heavy Popsci.com: The U.S. Army's New 84-Ton Tank Prototype Is Nearly IED-Proof (Updated)]


[[Category:Military technology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Ground Combat Vehicle}}