Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team Capabilities Complete Critical Design Review

October 27, 2009: Fielding of Future Combat Systems with active units has got closer recently, with Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) capabilities passing the Critical Design Review (CDR) milestone earlier this month – a key milestone in U.S. Army modernization effort. E-IBCT capabilities are planned to be fielded to seven Infantry Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2011. The Army is planning additional increments as part of its modernization strategy.

Boeing, along with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), is the prime contractor for the development and fielding of the E-IBCT effort, which is also known as Increment 1. According to Derek McLuckey, Boeing Increment 1 program manager the next step, expected in December, will be the 'Milestone C' decision, leading to low-rate initial production in early in 2010.  

The CDR reviewed more than 120 criteria to ensure that system designs are mature, meet soldier requirements and are ready for low-rate initial production. Reviewed capabilities included unmanned ground and air vehicles, sensors, precision launch systems and network integration kits. The review involved representatives from the Army, Boeing, SAIC, industry partners and other government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office.

These E-IBCT capabilities, developed under the Future Combat Systems program and now a key element of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization effort, will provide soldiers with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as increased survivability and lethality. Initial capabilities include the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), Class I Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), Unattended Ground Sensors, XM-501 Non-Line-of-Sight Launch Missile System and the Network Integration Kit