The U.S. Army has announced the finalists in its competition to replace the aging Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). Formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), the service announced that the new vehicle will be designated the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. The XM30 will be the Army’s first armored combat vehicle powered by a hybrid-electric engine.
In late June, the Army announced that General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall had been chosen to move forward into the detailed design phase. Under the contracts, worth a total of $1.6 billion, the two companies will further develop their designs before beginning the production of up to 11 prototypes for testing in the first quarter of 2025. The service will select a winning design in 2027, with fielding to follow in 2029. The total program cost is estimated at $45 billion, although the total number of vehicles to be procured has not been finalized.
The service has not fully determined its requirements for the XM30 but is looking for a hybrid-electric engine and a suite of combat capabilities that include a 50-mm cannon in a remotely operated turret; machine guns; anti-tank guided missiles; an advanced third-generation forward-looking infrared sensor; and “intelligent fire control.” Integrated active protection systems, kitted armor and advanced signature management capabilities will be installed.
The XM30 will have a crew of two: A commander/gunner and the driver, supported by advanced autonomy technologies. It will be able to carry six soldiers, the same as the Bradley. The C-17 airlifter will be able to carry two XM30s at the same time.
The downselect is a major milestone in the Army’s effort to replace the Bradley, after several previous programs failed to advance.