Digital Drive: Army Confident Latest Bradley Replacement Won’t Stall.

The XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle is the latest attempt by the US Army to replace its M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The Army is confident that this new effort will be successful, as it has learned from past mistakes and has aligned the requirements, funding, technology, and schedule for the XM30 program. The vehicle will feature a hybrid-electric engine, a 50-millimeter cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, machine guns, and an aerial protection system. It will also operate with a two-person crew and will be a transformational platform that will change the way the Army builds and delivers systems. The program has utilized digital engineering and models-based systems engineering to refine requirements and ensure achievability. The Army has been responsive to vendor feedback and has improved communication and negotiations with industry. The XM30 program is part of the Army's digital engineering strategy and is one of six designated pathfinder programs. The program is currently in phase three of a five-phase schedule, with critical design reviews planned for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Prototypes will be built and tested starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, and a final vendor will be chosen in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028. The XM30 program is seen as transformational and has the support of senior leaders and Congress. [Extracted from the article]