Billions for a new BMP: the US will replace the world-famous M2 Bradley

The future US Army XM30 mechanized infantry fighting vehicle is set to fundamentally change the entire infantry fighting vehicle (IPV) category when it enters service in 2027 , replacing the outdated M2 Bradley.

According to the information that was distributed by the author of the defense publication Army Recognition, the Pentagon allocated to the companies General Dynamics (GDLS) and American Rheinmetall $800 million each for development prototypes of this machine as part of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program, reports ArmyInform.

The total cost of the rearmament program is estimated at $45 billion. Moreover, the United States Army plans to purchase approximately 3,800 units of new armored vehicles.

In June 2023, GDLS and American Rheinmetall were selected from among five competitors for the final stage of detailed design, while Point Blank Enterprises, Oshkosh Defense and BAE Systems were eliminated from the competition.

Evaluating the concepts of the future BMP, experts from IKK Defense Express in particular stated that actually we are talking about more than a classic modern BMP with the front location of the motor-transmission department. And also deliberately emphasized armor protection in the look, most likely elements of dynamic protection in the lower frontal part of the hull and details on the sides, which are additionally strengthened by overhead elements.

Specialists from the Army Recognition defense portal analyzed the novelty more thoroughly. The authors of the site believe that XM30 will bring significant changes to the infantry fighting vehicle (IPV) category, having a 50×228 mm gun in a remotely controlled turret, dual anti-tank guided missiles (ATRK), a fire control system with support artificial intelligence and hybrid transmission.

The XM30 will have a crew of two (mechanic driver and commander) and will carry six infantrymen. The vehicle's size and capacity have been designed to maintain a balance between firepower and mobility, while preventing it from becoming too large or heavy as seen in some previous BMP designs. The combat vehicle will be designed to work alongside future versions of the M1 Abrams main battle tank and is expected to include protection against unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Digital engineering is central to the development of the XM30. In the early stages of the program, the five aforementioned contractors were awarded approximately $60 million each to create digital projects based on the Army's requirements. Through this process, which facilitated design, development and possible future upgrades, the US Army refined the requirements for the armor and ensured that they were achievable, avoiding the problems that had led to the cancellation of previous programs.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

For example, by using 3D models and simulations in the early stages of design, the Army has obtained assurances from contractors that all requirements and subsystems, including sensors and fire control mechanisms, are agreed upon before physical prototypes are built. This approach has minimized development costs and helps contractors and the Army quickly resolve any design issues that arise during the process.

The XM30's modular design supports future technological upgrades, allowing new systems to be integrated with minimal changes to the vehicle's core architecture. Equipped with a hybrid-electric drive and various weapons systems, including a 50 mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles, the XM30 is configured to meet current operational requirements while remaining flexible for future needs.

The XM30 program is a continuation of the US Army's efforts to replace the M2 Bradley, which has been in service since the 1980s. Despite several previous attempts, including the Ground Combat Vehicle and Future Combat System programs, such initiatives have not been successful. Mostly due to problems with harmonizing requirements, funding, technology and prototyping schedule.

Col. Geoffrey Jurand, the XM30 project manager, emphasized that the current program is consistent in these areas and supported by the use of digital technologies. This approach allows you to design and test a car using digital models, avoiding some of the problems faced by previous programs.

Both General Dynamics and Rheinmetall have been selected to move forward in the competition, with the US Army currently in the third phase of a five-phase schedule. These contractors will deliver prototypes to the military by the end of 2026 year, and the Pentagon will conduct a critical design analysis by the first half of fiscal year 2025. The final selection of a single supplier for production will occur around the first quarter of fiscal 2028 after testing and evaluation of prototypes.

The program is also supported by a 'digital trinity' approach, which includes model-based systems engineering, digital engineering and development, security and operations (DevSecOps). This digital approach improved tracking and communication between contractors and the military, and errors were identified and corrected early in the design process. demonstrations of the advantages of digital technology. The US Army's use of digital technology for this project aims to increase design efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the modularity of the armored vehicle and its adaptability to future needs. supporting its goals and its potential to deliver long-term benefits, including cost savings through its open architecture.

As the program progresses, other phases will focus on prototype development, testing and evaluation. The US Army plans to begin testing prototypes in 2026 year, and a final decision on production is expected in 2028 year.