By Vincent Pisani
The Next Generation Combat Vehicle Program (NGCV) represents the United States Army’s commitment to developing multiple advanced ground combat systems aimed at fighting peer level adversaries into the foreseeable future. The most publicly discussed of these platforms is the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), which is intended as a semi-autonomous replacement for the Bradley series of IFVs. There are three vehicles currently in the running for this contract; the General Dynamics Griffin III, the Rheinmetall Lynx KF41, and the BAE Systems CV90 MkIV. Each of these platforms achieve the prerequisite requirements for lethality, mobility, and survivability in unique ways.
Griffin III
The Griffin III represents General Dynamics’ bid for the NGCV contract. This vehicle is reportedly equipped with a 50mm cannon that is capable of reaching a maximum turret elevation of 80 degrees. This should allow the vehicle to engage enemies within tall buildings and airborne targets should the situation require it. This turret is also reported to be modular, allowing for additional weapon configurations based on mission requirements. However; there is no information available in regard to the capabilities of these modules. The Griffin is also reportedly effective at maneuvering in urban and restrictive terrain. In regard to survivability, the Griffin comes equipped with an integrated Active Protection System and Infrared absorbing camouflage standard. This will essentially provide the vehicle with soft-kill and hard-kill missile countermeasures.
Lynx KF41
The Lynx KF41 is Rheinmetall’s entry for the NGCV contract. A common selling point put forward by Rheinmetall is the vehicle’s modularity. This extends to almost every aspect of the vehicle with the capability to swap out drive systems, sub-systems, defense systems, weapon systems, and vehicle configurations. However; it should be noted that changing between vehicle configurations can take up to eight hours based on information released by Rheinmetall. In regard to lethality, the Lynx comes equipped with a 35mm cannon standard. The vehicle’s turret also comes equipped with two multi-purpose mounts that can host ATGM, UAV, and Electronic Warfare systems. The mobility of the Lynx is described as “Leading” by Rheinmetall, with the vehicle having a power to weight ratio of 26hp/t with a total engine horsepower of 1140 and weight of 44 tons. To put this into perspective, an M2 Bradley stands at 21.7hp/t with a total engine horsepower of 600 and weight of 30.4 tons. Survivability systems on the Lynx are described as adaptable with options for peacekeeping, counter-insurgency, and peer combat environments. This includes several stated systems such as a mine protection package, an active protection system, and roof protection against cluster munitions. However; the full extent of these capabilities and how they are utilized in the previously mentioned configurations is not publicly stated.
CV90 MkIV
The CV90 MkIV represents the modernization of BAE Systems’ Swedish IFV family as well as their entry for the NGCV contract. In regard to lethality, the CV90 MkIV comes equipped with a modular turret capable of mounting The CV90 MkIV’s new D-Series turrets also comes equipped with integrated ATGM and MG mountings as well as advanced sensor systems. Mobility wise, the CV90 MkIV comes equipped with a 1000 horsepower engine. Power to weight ratio is not directly displayed in available documentation. However; with the previously stated engine horsepower and publicly stated weight standing at 37 tons it can be assumed that the CV90 MkIV’s power to weight ratio is in This allows the CV90 to operate as a more stable weapons platform while achieving increased speeds over all types of terrain. In regard to survivability, the CV90 MkIV will come equipped with an APS. Unfortunately, there are no further details in regard to defensive capabilities beyond this information.
