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| OMFV | |
|---|---|
| Name | OMFV |
| Origin | United States |
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
OMFV
The OMFV program is a United States armored vehicle development initiative intended to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in service with the United States Army. The program involves multiple defense contractors, testing centers, and research institutions including General Dynamics, BAE Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems partners, with oversight by organizations such as the United States Army Futures Command and the U.S. Department of Defense. It interfaces with procurement processes like the Defense Acquisition System and is shaped by operational concepts emerging from exercises such as Defender-Europe and lessons from conflicts including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).
The OMFV effort seeks to produce a next-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicle to operate alongside systems like the M1 Abrams and to integrate with formations such as Armored Brigade Combat Team (United States) and concepts from Multi-Domain Operations. The program responds to capability gaps identified in studies by institutions including the RAND Corporation, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Congressional Research Service. Stakeholders include industrial primes like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies, research labs such as the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, and test facilities like the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Yuma Proving Ground.
Design activities for OMFV have involved teams from companies including General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Oshkosh Defense, and international firms such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The program follows acquisition milestones outlined by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and is influenced by doctrines from U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Engineering work leverages technologies from programs like the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (U.S.) concept, lessons from the Future Combat Systems, and components tested in trials with platforms such as the Stryker and M2 Bradley. Collaboration extends to universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology, and suppliers like Cummins and Honeywell.
Proposed OMFV armament layouts reference systems like the Rafael Samson RCWS, the Kongsberg Remote Weapon Station, and auto-cannons similar to the Bushmaster chain gun family; missile integration considers systems such as the Spike (missile) and the Javelin (missile). Protection concepts draw on composite and reactive armor research from DARPA, active protection systems like Trophy (APS) and Iron Fist (APS), and signature reduction techniques studied at Sandia National Laboratories and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Survivability analyses have incorporated lessons from battles like the Battle of Mosul (2016–17), the Battle of Marjah, and operations during the Syrian Civil War.
Mobility requirements aim for cross-country performance comparable to the M1 Abrams and to integrate with logistics frameworks used in exercises such as Operation Atlantic Resolve. Powertrain options evaluated include diesel engines from companies like Cummins and hybrid-electric prototypes inspired by research at U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and academic programs at Stanford University. Suspension systems draw on innovations from firms such as Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and consider transportability constraints related to aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy.
Sensor suites for OMFV incorporate electro-optical systems from Lockheed Martin, radar elements similar to those from Northrop Grumman, and electronic warfare concepts studied by Raytheon Technologies. Networking aligns with standards supported by DARPA initiatives, the U.S. Army Network Cross-Functional Team, and protocols used in programs such as the Integrated Battle Command System. Data fusion and autonomy work reference projects at Carnegie Mellon University and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and integrate with command systems like the Blue Force Tracking family.
Prototype efforts have produced demonstrators from teams including General Dynamics and BAE Systems, and have drawn on chassis concepts from vehicles like the Puma (IFV) and the CV90. Variant planning explores roles similar to those of the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and the Mortar Carrier, with possible integrations of loitering munitions akin to those developed by AeroVironment and drone systems from DJI (Dà-Jiāng Innovations Science and Technology Co., Ltd.) for reconnaissance. Industrial partners have showcased modular payloads at events such as Association of the United States Army exhibitions and DSEI.
Testing programs have taken place at sites including Yuma Proving Ground, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and White Sands Missile Range, and have involved trials with units from 1st Armored Division (United States) and 3rd Infantry Division (United States). Evaluations reference standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and use instrumentation similar to that employed during user trials for the XM2001 Crusader and the Future Combat Systems prototypes. Reports and hearings in the United States Congress and analyses by the Government Accountability Office have influenced program pacing and budgetary decisions.
Allied nations including United Kingdom, Germany, France, Israel, and Japan have observed OMFV developments, comparing it to platforms like the Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle), Leclerc (tank), Leopard 2, and Type 10 (tank). Export potential may involve partnerships with firms such as Thales Group and Saab AB, while interoperability efforts align with NATO standards and exercises like Trident Juncture. Future prospects consider integration with emerging technologies from DARPA programs, legislative oversight from U.S. Congress, and acquisition reforms advocated by Defense Innovation Unit initiatives.
Category:United States Army vehicles