When it comes to innovation in global defense, L3Harris Technologies has a long-standing legacy of supporting the U.S. military through critical capabilities in secure communications and integrated mission systems. From interoperable, software-defined radios in combat zones to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and electronic warfare solutions, its technologies have not only kept pace with joint force and multi-domain operations, but actively shaped them—evolving to meet new mission demands and threat environments.

During early collaboration phases, L3Harris provided a test unit of the MX-GCS MK2 to help familiarize American Rheinmetall with its integration and performance characteristics. This model was used to inform trade studies and guide platform design, ensuring optimal fit and function across the full system architecture. The fielded version integrates dual-band infrared sensors and active payloads, giving crews enhanced situational awareness and the ability to identify, mark and engage targets in a range of environments. Combined with spectral diversity and rugged stabilization, these tools also strengthen threat detection and survivability in complex battlefield conditions.

“With one sight system for multiple crew stations, we reduce complexity while delivering superior battlefield awareness,” said Matt Heath, Principal, Business Development at L3Harris and a former U.S. Marine Corps tank operator. “When it comes to stabilization, operators can maintain target lock and image clarity even under harsh vibration and shock.”

In addition to the sighting system, L3Harris processors power mission systems and support autonomous functions. These processors are built with scalability in mind. They enable persistent modernization across vehicle platforms and support AI-driven sensor fusion that reduces cognitive load and improves responsiveness. L3Harris’ communications systems also provide secure, real-time data sharing that offers collaborative targeting and coordination—a capability that not only protects mission-critical information but gives Warfighters a digital edge in fast-changing operational environments.

“Our systems are built to meet current needs and to continue evolving as battlefield demands shift,” said Anthony Sarto, Engineering Fellow for Targeting and Sensor Systems at L3Harris Technologies. “Adaptability is central to what we deliver.”

All L3Harris technologies within American Rheinmetall’s next gen combat vehicle concept is built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Aligned with the Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA), a U.S. Army framework that defines how mission systems should be integrated into future ground combat vehicles, L3Harris’ open architecture supports upgrades, capability insertion, and third-party integration across subsystems and sensors. This modularity helps avoid technology lock-in and accelerates adaptation to future mission needs, whether integrating a novel sensor or adjusting to multi-domain threats.

“Open architecture gives us the structure to integrate new capabilities as they emerge,” said Sarto. “That means faster fielding of next-gen tech and a combat system that remains responsive to battlefield changes.”

From the outset, L3Harris has been working closely with American Rheinmetall to conduct trade studies and systems validation, informing platform decisions and ensuring seamless technology integration. By evaluating space, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) considerations early on, L3Harris guarantees smooth integration of its systems into the vehicle architecture. This commitment to early collaboration also includes lifecycle modeling and sustainment planning, which are part of the process from the beginning to maintain readiness and performance over time. The company supports this effort through 14 authorized maintenance and logistics centers worldwide. These facilities provide diagnostics, training and rapid-response support operations in strategically located areas, so service is close to where it’s needed most.

“We think about sustainment from day one,” Heath said. “We deliver products built for the mission, with the support infrastructure to ensure they perform wherever they’re deployed.”

A unique feature of L3Harris is its large veteran talent base, which brings firsthand knowledge of battlefield conditions to inform everything from product design to sustainment planning. Their experience helps translate operational requirements into practical capabilities that keep Warfighters protected, connected and mission ready. “We build with purpose,” Heath added. “Every decision reflects our focus on the mission, because we know what’s at stake. It’s the people behind the systems who ensure reliability, because they’ve experienced the realities of battlefield demands and they’re committed to delivering what today’s Warfighters need.”

As the character of modern warfare shifts, so must the technologies that support the mission. L3Harris and American Rheinmetall understand this imperative. With a shared focus on digital engineering, battlefield survivability and long-term adaptability, they’re advancing a next-generation combat vehicle designed to keep the Warfighter ready, now and into the future. “As threats change, so does the battlefield,” said Heath. “We’re making sure the next generation of combat vehicles gives our Warfighters every advantage, because their edge is our mission.”

In a defense industry long shaped by traditional, linear development cycles, American Rheinmetall is helping rewrite the rules to bring a faster, more flexible model for combat vehicle development. At the heart of this transformation is a shift toward digital-first engineering and virtual prototyping, based on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that delivers a truly future-ready combat vehicle built with unprecedented transparency, adaptability and cost-efficiency.

“The digital model has everything. It starts with the requirement, and it goes through the architecture of the vehicle, and it touches all areas, including how the vehicle is actually built,” said Ruben Burgos, American Rheinmetall’s program director who’s leading the company’s ground combat vehicle development. “We’re designing a flexible platform that can evolve for decades to come.”

The company recently completed a major program milestone review with one of its customers, confirming that the vehicle’s full design is mature and ready for manufacturing. And, according to Burgos, that’s where the value of the company’s digital approach is shining through. “Our entire model, from the top-level requirements all the way to the physical build, was laid out and traceable. It was satisfying to see the customer assess it and recognize the maturity of what we’ve built.”

American Rheinmetall’s development process is built on a “digital thread,” a continuous chain of interconnected digital data that links requirements, engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment using what Burgos describes as three digital twins.

Each twin plays a distinct role in speeding development and enabling smarter decisions. The engineering twin captures every subsystem—from mobility and survivability to lethality and more—in a living model that informs everything downstream. The manufacturing twin translates that model into real-world production, including automated assembly instructions that update with every design change. “Feedback loops that used to take months now happen in days,” Burgos said.

Finally, the sustainment twin extends the model into long-term planning, allowing the customer to anticipate maintenance, replacements, and upgrades years in advance. “That’s game-changing,” he added.

This new level of visibility allows American Rheinmetall to deliver updated system models to customers in weeks, as opposed to the traditional method of waiting months between milestone reviews. “They can run their own assessments on our model and provide real-time feedback,” Burgos said. “It’s not a ‘gotcha’ process—it’s collaborative. They see how we’re progressing, and we’re aligned every step of the way.”

The company’s manufacturing capabilities further solidify its position as a nimble, vertically integrated contributor to the U.S. defense industrial base. With production underway by its partner, Textron Systems, in Slidell, Louisiana, and at American Rheinmetall’s facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Maine, its combat vehicle development activities are not only a digital-first platform, but one built by and for Americans.

This commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing underpins a broader strategic vision: to strengthen national security by investing in American jobs, supply chains, and innovation ecosystems. “It’s not just about building vehicles. It’s about making sure the customer has the best tech, made in America, by Americans, in a way that makes sense for long-term readiness,” Burgos said.

The approach leverages digital engineering and MOSA architecture to futureproof combat vehicles, while providing SWAP-C growth margins that enable rapid integration of emerging technologies. “We account for growth margins across our vehicles,” Burgos explained. “We’ve already thought through future growth—power, compute, physical space. So, when the customer is ready to add something new, they don’t need to redesign the entire vehicle.” The ability to upgrade quickly, easily, and without major redesigns is essential, especially as modern innovation drives faster and more frequent advancements in technology.

“The big shift here is that the customer doesn’t have to come back to the OEM for everything. In the past, if they wanted to swap out a sensor or turret, it could take up to a year, driving up costs considerably,” Burgos added. “Now they can look at the model, understand every interface, and make that change in weeks instead of months or years.”

This is especially critical as the military looks to incorporate uncrewed and robotic systems, advanced autonomy, and AI-driven capabilities into its next-generation combat platforms in the near future. American Rheinmetall’s combat vehicles will support semi-autonomous operation at launch, with pathways to full autonomy as those technologies mature.

Burgos is clear that modularity is much more than bolting on a different turret. “Some say a platform is modular just because you can swap components,” he said. “But true modularity means knowing exactly what a new subsystem needs—how it connects, what power it draws, what data interfaces it uses, and how it impacts the rest of the vehicle. Our digital model defines all of that, so when a new sensor, system, or AI module becomes available, the customer knows exactly how it fits and how it performs and can proceed to integration and fielding much faster.”

That level of precision, flexibility, and transparency sets American Rheinmetall apart. The company’s mix of defense, commercial, and automotive engineering talent gives it a unique ability to combine innovation with rigorous standards.

“Many of us came here because we saw a better way to serve the Warfighter,” Burgos said. “We wanted to be part of a company that was willing to challenge the old paradigm, one that could work hand-in-hand with the military to design for the future—not just build for today.”

That mindset is now helping shape how the military approaches digital engineering and modular architecture more broadly. The work being done today is setting a precedent for faster, more adaptable acquisition programs across the defense landscape. “We’re trailblazers with this MOSA approach, which will set the standard for new programs,” Ruben said. “But there’s also discussion about how this method could be tied back into existing programs.”

American Rheinmetall sees this as an opportunity to deliver not just on the mission at hand, but on the promise of a better way to build. “We’re proving that you can do this differently,” he said. “That you can have transparency, flexibility, and still deliver high performance. That’s what we’re doing—and that’s what military modernization is about.”

American Rheinmetall’s heritage in defense manufacturing is rooted in decades of precision and innovation. Producing highly reliable components for almost all U.S. combat vehicles, from Bradley fighting vehicles to Abrams tanks and M88 recovery vehicles, American Rheinmetall has consistently delivered battle-tested, mission-critical solutions that exceed performance expectations for the U.S. military. Today, as the defense landscape shifts toward future combat vehicles, American Rheinmetall is redefining what it means to manufacture combat-ready systems, harnessing advanced technologies, digital engineering, and direct Soldier input.

Precision and Quality

“We take a unique approach for a prime vehicle contractor by applying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP),” said Jason Atkinson, President at American Rheinmetall. “This has been around for decades in the auto industry but applying it to a combat vehicle platform is unique to us—and it’s part of who we are.”

APQP is a structured, preventive approach to product development and manufacturing that ensures every design, component, and process step is carefully analyzed, validated, and controlled before full-scale production begins. By focusing on potential failure points early and embedding quality throughout the workflow, it helps guarantee that the final product meets rigorous military standards and delivers dependable performance in the field.

Supporting this, the company also relies on the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), which validates manufacturing output before mass production begins, and Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), which anticipates potential points of failure and mitigates them early. These methods are essential for maintaining the trust of American Rheinmetall’s customers—helping to eliminate costly rework, minimize risk to Soldiers, and ensuring that every vehicle performs exactly as intended under battlefield conditions.

“We’ve been using APQP for nearly two decades, embedding quality into the process upfront to meet the Army’s standards,” said Atkinson.

Digital Engineering

Atkinson emphasizes that digital engineering is at the core of American Rheinmetall’s manufacturing strategy. “We’re developing our manufacturing processes tied directly to the digital architecture and design of the platform,” he said. “When Soldiers provide feedback, we have a closed-loop system that lets us run changes back through the digital thread, ensuring the Soldier on the ground gets exactly what they need.”

This digital thread links every stage of the vehicle lifecycle—from initial concept and simulation through production, validation, and field deployment—enabling an authoritative source of truth for design and manufacturing data. It allows for real-time tracking of changes, ensures configuration integrity, and accelerates adaptation to evolving mission requirements. Combined with model-based systems engineering and data-rich analytics, this ecosystem gives American Rheinmetall unmatched precision and agility, setting a new benchmark for future combat vehicle development.

Strengthening Supply Chains and Workforce Readiness

“Readiness is everything,” said Atkinson. To that end, American Rheinmetall prioritizes vertical integration and dual-source strategies to bolster supply chain resilience. “We’ve invested heavily upfront so that when we reach production phases, we can surge and backstop a vendor if needed,” he said. “Every aspect of our strategy is designed to avoid single points of failure. Whether it’s in materials sourcing or manufacturing capabilities, we’re structured to flex and respond.”

The company’s supply chain resilience is matched by its workforce development efforts. To address the shortage of highly skilled machinists and welders, American Rheinmetall has launched full-scale machine shop and welding training programs, working closely with local partners like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to advance these initiatives at its ground combat vehicle manufacturing facilities in Plymouth and Lansing, Michigan. Together, with its partners and collaborators, the company is preparing the next generation of operators to meet the demands of advanced combat vehicle manufacturing, with a clear focus on developing local talent and building capability from the ground up.

Redefining Armor Welding with HCBA Welding

One of the company’s most groundbreaking achievements is its use of High Current Buried Arc Welding (HCBA). This advanced robotic welding technique uses extremely high electrical current and thick wire to achieve deep penetration welds, ideal for armored structures. In fact, it enables American Rheinmetall to reduce traditional weld passes significantly.

“Traditionally, it takes 26 manual weld passes on a cab structure—we do it robotically in just four,” Atkinson said, underscoring the dramatic efficiency gains in time and labor costs. “More importantly, when we ballistically tested the first set of robotic welds, we passed every joint on the first attempt. That’s unheard of and shows just how much precision and reliability we bring to the table.”

This process has led to drastic reductions in time, cost, and risk, boosting throughput and delivering exceptional value to the military.

Innovation in the Field

Few innovations illustrate American Rheinmetall’s commitment to vehicle mobility, survivability, and sustainable solutions more clearly than its band track system innovations.

“We’re developing segmented band track technology—a modular, repairable track system composed of individual segments rather than a single continuous band—giving Soldiers the ability to repair in the field, right there in theater, without needing to tow the vehicle out of harm’s way,” Atkinson noted. “You get the same ride quality as continuous band tracks, but with the added benefit of in-field serviceability.”

The significance of this innovation can’t be overstated. It empowers Warfighters with critical in-theater resilience, and more importantly, the mobility, ride quality, and signature reduction needed to complete the mission and return safely. Atkinson points to current development efforts where feedback from Soldiers highlighted the limitations of existing band track systems in theater. That input directly led to the design of this new segmented approach. “There’s been real concern about serviceability in the field if damage occurs. The new track can be repaired in real time by Soldiers in the field, without delaying the mission or waiting for recovery vehicles,” he explained.

American Rheinmetall’s dominance in track system manufacturing is grounded in decades of proven performance. “Every track system on U.S. ground combat vehicles, from Abrams to Bradley to M88, has come out of our factories,” Atkinson said.

There’s a reason American Rheinmetall remains the sole provider of track systems for all U.S. ground combat vehicles: unmatched vertical integration and deep in-house expertise. The company controls every stage of the process—from rubber compounding and metal fabrication to final assembly—ensuring unrivaled quality and reliability. Its track manufacturing facility in St. Mary’s, Ohio, originally established to support World War II efforts, continues to serve as a center of excellence for military track technology, giving the company an unparalleled legacy and technical edge. This consistency and depth of expertise position the company as a trusted partner in defense manufacturing.

At the same time, American Rheinmetall is proactively investing internally in additive manufacturing technologies. “We’re exploring ways to print entire armored structures using specialized steel and aluminum alloys,” Atkinson said. “We’re probably 18 months out, but when it’s ready, it will completely change the game for how quickly and flexibly we can deliver.”

A Culture Committed to Soldiers

Beyond innovation and technology lies American Rheinmetall’s core mission: keeping American Warfighters safe. “Everything we do is for the young men and women in uniform,” said Atkinson. “I once got a call from a Soldier who told me an ammunition door we built saved his life, reminding me that every component we make can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. That’s why we never compromise on quality. That’s why we show up every day.”

Atkinson’s sentiment is shared across the entire American Rheinmetall team and embedded into the company’s design, engineering, and operational culture. Soldier feedback directly informs the development of every component, technology, and product that leaves the manufacturing floor. From welders to engineers, employees are trained to understand the life-or-death stakes of their work, reinforced through internal communications and hands-on training programs that emphasize the gravity of the mission—a deeply personal commitment that is perhaps best captured in Atkinson’s words: “Every decision that we make as a company is tied to keeping our Soldiers safe and bringing them home every single day.”

That’s why American Rheinmetall continues to make good on its promise to deliver exceptional vehicles engineered for reliability, precision, lethality, and survival—all of it together, ensuring our Soldiers are always the victors.

Published in: The Cavalry & Armor Journal – Winter 2025 Edition
Written by: Chris Haag

The U.S. Army stands at a pivotal moment in its ground combat vehicle modernization efforts. As a business developer deeply involved in cutting-edge military vehicle technology, I have witnessed firsthand the rapid pace of technological advancement and the growing challenges of integrating these innovations into legacy platforms. Continued investment in next-generation ground vehicle technology is not just beneficial, but essential for maintaining our military’s tactical edge on future battlefields.

The Limitations of Legacy Platforms

Our current fleet of ground combat vehicles has served us well, but they are increasingly constrained by their original designs. While still formidable, these legacy platforms were conceived in an era before the advent of technologies we now consider indispensable on the modern battlefield and they are reaching their limits in terms of size, weight, and power (SWaP) capacity, making it increasingly difficult and expensive to integrate new systems without compromising performance or protection.

The challenges are multifaceted:

1. Power Generation: Modern combat systems require significantly more electrical power than legacy vehicles can provide.
2. Weight Constraints: Adding new armor or systems often pushes vehicles beyond their design weight limits, affecting mobility and reliability.
3. Space Limitations: The internal layout of legacy vehicles leaves little room for new electronics or modern crew stations.
4. Outdated Architectures: Closed system architectures make software and hardware upgrades complex and costly.

The Promise of New Technologies

The rapid evolution of military technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the capabilities of our ground forces. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and networked battlefield management systems have the potential to revolutionize how we fight. However, these technologies demand a new approach to vehicle design and integration.

Key areas of advancement include:

1. AI-Powered Decision Support: Enhances situational awareness and reducing cognitive load on crews.
2. Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA): Enables rapid integration of new capabilities and future-proofing our platforms.
3. Advanced Materials: Lightweight composites can significantly reduce vehicle weight while improving protection.
4. Electric and Hybrid Propulsion: Offering increased operational range and reduced logistical footprint.
5. Lethality improvements: Advancements in counter drone/UAS technologies, improved propellant and round technology, and advancements in fire control and digitization improve range and firing times

The Case for Investment

Investing in next-generation ground combat vehicles is not just about keeping pace with potential adversaries; it’s about leapfrogging them. The Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program represents a critical opportunity to incorporate these advanced technologies from the ground up, designing vehicles that are not only more capable but also more adaptable to future upgrades.

The benefits of this investment extend beyond immediate tactical advantages:

1. Operational Flexibility: New vehicles designed with modularity in mind can be quickly reconfigured for different mission sets, enhancing the Army’s ability to respond to diverse threats.
2. Reduced Life-Cycle Costs: Modern design approaches can significantly reduce long-term maintenance and upgrade costs.
3. Industrial Base Revitalization: Developing next-generation vehicles will drive innovation in the defense industrial base, ensuring we maintain the expertise and capabilities needed for future challenges.
4. Force Multiplication: Advanced autonomous systems and AI can potentially reduce crew sizes while increasing combat effectiveness, allowing for more efficient use of our most valuable resource – our Soldiers.

The Path Forward

To fully realize the potential of these new technologies, we must commit to a comprehensive modernization strategy.

This includes:

1. Sustained Funding: Consistent, long-term investment is crucial for seeing complex development programs through to completion.
2. Agile Acquisition: Adopting more flexible procurement processes that can keep pace with rapid technological change.
3. Soldier-Centric Design: Involving Warfighters early and often in the design process to ensure new vehicles meet real-world operational needs.
4. Cross-Domain Integration: Developing vehicles as part of a broader networked battlefield ecosystem, capable of seamless information sharing and cooperative engagement.

Conclusion

As stewards of our nation’s defense, it is our responsibility to ensure that when called upon, our ground forces have the most advanced, capable, and adaptable vehicles possible. The path to maintaining overmatch on future battlefields runs through continued, dedicated investment in ground combat vehicle modernization.

The imperative for continued investment in ground combat vehicle technology is clear. Our potential adversaries are not standing still, and neither can we. By committing to the development of next-generation platforms, we ensure that our maneuver forces will have the tools they need to dominate future battlefields.

The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. With sustained investment and a clear vision, we can provide our Soldiers with vehicles that offer unparalleled lethality, survivability, and operational flexibility. The time to act is now – the future of ground combat depends on the decisions and investments we make today.

About the Author:

Chris Haag is a seasoned business developer and military veteran with extensive experience in the defense industry. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Business Development at American Rheinmetall, Chris leads capture and proposal efforts for combat platforms, autonomy, robotics, and new technologies. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. His career spans roles in both military and corporate environments, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Army.

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The new American Rheinmetall leadership team walks the Loc Performance factory after the acquisition. From left: CEO Matthew Warnick, CFO Jackson Richardson, and COO Jason Atkinson.

In a significant step forward for the U.S. defense industrial base, Rheinmetall has completed the acquisition of Loc Performance, which counts among its impressive advanced manufacturing capabilities market leadership in advanced track and suspension systems for combat vehicles. This strategic acquisition bolsters the company’s position as a premier tier-one Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the combat vehicle domain and a highly preferred supplier of critical components while reinforcing its commitment to supporting the modernization needs of the U.S. armed forces.

Expanding Expertise in Combat Vehicle Systems

Loc has earned a reputation for engineering excellence, specializing in mobility solutions for some of the world’s most advanced combat vehicles. By integrating Loc’s proven capabilities into its portfolio, American Rheinmetall significantly enhances its ability to deliver next-generation combat vehicle platforms with exceptional mobility, survivability, and lethality. This acquisition further positions American Rheinmetall as a comprehensive systems integrator capable of delivering superior solutions across the full spectrum of combat vehicle design and production.

As Matt Warnick, CEO at American Rheinmetall explained in an interview with Breaking Defense, “The purpose of the acquisition is to strengthen Rheinmetall’s position in the U.S. market, and we do that in many ways. First and foremost, we pick up almost two million square feet of manufacturing space, but more importantly than that, is the approximately 1,000 employees that we get to add to our bench that are used to manufacturing components and parts, all the way up to combat vehicles.”

Strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

As the defense industry addresses the mandate to modernize in an era of renewed great power competition, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base has become a national imperative. The acquisition of Loc underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to doing its part, including fostering innovation, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and excellence, and creating corresponding high-quality jobs across the United States.

Loc’s manufacturing footprint and engineering expertise align seamlessly with American Rheinmetall’s mission to deliver world-class products engineered and built in America. Together, the companies will drive advancements in combat vehicle performance while ensuring the U.S. maintains its technological edge on the battlefield.

Delivering on Modernization Priorities

American Rheinmetall’s growing capabilities position the company to play an integral role in key modernization programs, including the U.S. Army’s XM30 Combat Vehicle program. By combining Rheinmetall’s technological leadership with Loc’s mobility innovations, American Rheinmetall is uniquely equipped to meet the Army’s demand for highly capable, survivable, and maintainable platforms.
 

Innovation for a New Era of Combat Vehicles

The acquisition also reflects American Rheinmetall’s commitment to innovation. Loc Performance’s expertise in advanced manufacturing processes and cutting-edge mobility solutions complements American Rheinmetall’s focus on modular open systems architecture (MOSA) and digital engineering. Together, these capabilities will shape the future of combat vehicles, enabling the rapid adaptation of new technologies to meet evolving threats.
 

A Shared Vision for Customer-Focused Excellence

Both American Rheinmetall and Loc share a dedication to excellence, innovation, and partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. This acquisition is more than a business transaction; it’s a unification of two industry leaders with a shared vision of enhancing the readiness and capability of the U.S. military.
 

Looking Ahead

The integration of Loc into American Rheinmetall marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both companies. Together, they will accelerate innovation, strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, and deliver unmatched capabilities to America’s Warfighters.

American Rheinmetall remains committed to building the next generation of combat vehicles in America, for America, ensuring our armed forces remain ready to meet any challenge—today and tomorrow.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the introduction of cutting-edge technology can dramatically reshape battlefield dynamics. The United States Army’s latest ground vehicle programs, including advanced, next generation combat vehicles, are poised to do just that. These advanced platforms are not merely an upgrade to existing systems; they represent a paradigm shift in how we conceptualize and execute Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) on the battlefield.

A New Era of Mobility and Firepower

Future combat vehicles combine unprecedented mobility with devastating firepower, offering commanders versatile tools that can adapt to various combat scenarios. Integrated, advanced suspension systems allow for rapid deployment across diverse terrains, from urban environments to rugged mountainous regions. This enhanced mobility enables quick repositioning, making them ideal platforms for both offensive maneuvers and defensive operations.

Moreover, future combat vehicles state-of-the-art weapons systems, including next-generation main guns and integrated effects launchers, provide a significant boost to the Army’s combat capabilities. The ability to engage targets at extended ranges with pinpoint accuracy not only increases lethality but also enhances force protection by allowing engagement of threats before they can pose a significant danger to friendly forces.

Redefining Battlefield CONOPS

The introduction of these future combat vehicles necessitates a reimagining of traditional CONOPS. Here’s how this advanced combat vehicle is set to transform battlefield strategies:

• Enhanced Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Advanced sensor suites, coupled with improved mobility, allows for more effective and safer reconnaissance missions. Units can gather critical intelligence without exposing personnel to unnecessary risks.
• Rapid Response and Deployment: The vehicle’s speed and cross-country performance enable quick reactions to emerging threats or opportunities. This agility can be crucial in exploiting tactical advantages or responding to sudden enemy movements.
• Networked Warfare: Equipped with cutting-edge communication systems, future combat vehicles serve as mobile command and control centers. They seamlessly integrate with other units and assets, facilitating real-time information sharing and coordinated actions across the battlefield.
• Adaptive Force Packages: Open architectures allow for the creation of smaller, more agile combat units that can operate independently or as part of larger formations. This flexibility enables commanders to tailor their force structure to specific mission requirements.
• Extended Operational Reach: With improved fuel efficiency and the ability to operate in austere environments, future vehicles expand the operational reach of ground forces. This extended range opens up new strategic possibilities, particularly in expeditionary and distributed operations.

Challenges and Considerations

While these future ground vehicles offer significant advantages, their integration into existing force structures and doctrines is not without challenges. Training personnel to fully utilize the vehicle’s capabilities will require time and resources. Additionally, their more complex systems may require new maintenance and logistics approaches to ensure optimal performance in the field.
Furthermore, potential adversaries are likely to develop countermeasures to these advanced capabilities. As such, CONOPS must remain flexible and evolve alongside technological advancements and changing threats.

A Catalyst for Innovation

The combat vehicles of the future are more than just new pieces of military hardware; they are catalysts for innovation in military strategy and tactics. By forcing a reevaluation of existing CONOPS, they enable military planners and commanders to think creatively about how to leverage this technology for maximum strategic and tactical advantage.
The true measure of these vehicle’s success will not just be in their performance specifications, but how effectively they integrate into our overall military doctrine. These vehicle’s potential to reshape the battlefield is clear and realizing that potential will empower forward-thinking leadership and new operational concepts.
In an era where the nature of warfare is constantly changing, the next generation of combat vehicles represent a significant step forward in maintaining technological and operational superiority. It’s now up to military strategists and planners to fully harness its capabilities and develop CONOPS that will define the future of land warfare.

At American Rheinmetall (AR), innovation in military vehicle design doesn’t just stem from cutting-edge technology. It arises from the company’s unique combination of engineering excellence and a deep understanding of combat operations, fueled by the operational experience of its veteran employees. This powerful fusion sets AR apart in the defense sector, offering the U.S. Army a partner who not only leads in vehicle engineering but also ensures that every design is informed by the very people who have lived through the rigors of military operations.

“One of the things that differentiates us from our competitors is that we put user input first,” said John Pope, American Rheinmetall Field Service Manager and retired U.S. Army master gunner. His words echo the foundation of AR’s approach to combat vehicle design: putting the needs and experiences of the end user—Soldiers—at the forefront of every decision. This user-first approach is no mere slogan; it is the guiding principle that shapes every stage of vehicle development.

At AR, veterans like John Pope bring a unique and invaluable perspective, one that is grounded in real-world combat operations. This expertise informs the company’s commitment to designing vehicles that prioritize the Soldier’s needs. From ergonomics to system integration, every feature is tested against the insights of those who have been in the field. “The master gunners we work with really help us keep the Soldier’s perspective first in mind and focus on a user-centric design,” said Mikayla Ray, AR Software Engineering Lead. “Having their voice keeps us on track.”

This close collaboration between AR’s engineers and veterans ensures that AR’s designs not only meet technical requirements but also align with the realities of battlefield operations. “The users are really the ones who understand what should happen and what the vehicle should do, so having access to their knowledge, their experience is super valuable,” said Ben Jackson, AR Director of Systems Engineering. “When you take that input and turn it into a feature or a requirement, it really adds value.”

While many defense companies focus on cutting-edge technology, AR stands apart because of its deep integration of operational experience into its engineering processes. This dual focus on innovation and practicality creates combat vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but also highly functional in the environments they are meant to operate in.

In an industry where technical requirements often drive development, AR’s approach ensures that functionality and Soldier needs come first. This is a significant differentiator, making AR more than just an engineering powerhouse. It is a company that understands that the ultimate goal is to create vehicles that Soldiers can rely on, vehicles that will keep them safe, enhance their combat capabilities, and allow them to succeed in their missions.

Ruben Burgos, AR Director of Programs and an Army veteran, expressed his pride in being part of this mission. “I get to work with a team that is changing the way combat vehicles are designed, developed, and built,” he said. This drive for modernization, combined with respect for the insights of combat veterans, means that AR vehicles are crafted with both cutting-edge technology and practical field experience in mind.

“There’s a lot of respect given to veterans here, and I think it’s very useful because the veterans are able to provide a voice for the customer that gives you a degree of insight that engineers might not have otherwise,” said Jim Schirmer, AR VP and Deputy Managing Director, and Army veteran. This respect goes beyond formal recognition; it is woven into the company’s engineering ethos, where the input of veterans is integrated at every level of development.

“We have a core philosophy at American Rheinmetall, which is everyone’s voice matters. If you start with that open culture, then it lends itself to the collaboration between engineering and former users,” said Matt Warnick, AR General Manager. “It’s that culture of sharing, that culture of team, and that we value each other’s inputs in terms of how we move forward from a design and engineering perspective.”

American Rheinmetall stands out in the defense industry by seamlessly merging engineering excellence with the deep operational insights of its veteran employees. This combination ensures that AR’s combat vehicles are not only technologically advanced but also optimized for real-world use. By fostering a collaborative, open culture and putting user input first, AR ensures that its vehicles meet the needs of Soldiers in the field. As the company continues to innovate and modernize, its commitment to merging these two strengths will remain at the heart of its mission to support and empower the U.S. Army.

Anduril Industries, along with Team Lynx leader American Rheinmetall and our partners at Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, and Allison Transmission, is delivering transformational capabilities for the XM30 program across all domains of platform performance. The team’s Lynx XM30 is one of two solutions in phase 3 and 4 of the program.

Anduril is a global defense technology company with the mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. Software is at the center of everything Anduril does; by combining best practices from our nation’s leading technology companies with deep defense expertise, the company has positioned itself as a leader in software-defined capabilities.

The two-Soldier crews of the XM30 will need to shoot, move, and communicate on a battlefield made ever more complex by technological evolution. Proliferating threats from the air and ground, along with an increasingly contested and congested electromagnetic spectrum, will make ground combat missions more challenging for XM30-equipped units.

To ensure the XM30 dominates on the battlefield of the future, Anduril is applying its Lattice software to deliver the Common Tactical Picture. The Common Tactical Picture builds on Anduril’s expertise in artificial intelligence, user-oriented design, and sensor integration to deliver enhanced tactical awareness while reducing the cognitive burden on XM30 crewmembers, enabling them to prioritize their most important tasks. Automated reporting and shared targeting information will provide the crew with the right information at the right time, enabling rapid maneuver and decisive lethality.

Anduril is at the forefront of applying lessons learned from commercial software design to defense problems, because Anduril believes user experience and feedback are critical to the design process. Constant iteration and frequent outside feedback are at the heart of this process; no one knows better than Soldiers what will work best for them during combat missions. For this reason, the opportunity to solicit feedback at Soldier Touchpoints has been incredibly valuable to Anduril’s efforts on Team Lynx for the XM30 program. These Touchpoints will enable Team Lynx to deliver a transformed user experience along with unprecedented lethality, mobility, and reliability.

The Design

With the Multi-Mission Launcher, the Lynx XM30 will be capable of firing all of the Army’s chosen effectors, which can include Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 family of unmanned aircraft systems and effectors for collaborative beyond-line-of-sight missions, and Javelin for fire-and-forget engagements. It is also ready for the future integration of Raytheon’s TOW missile family for speed, range, and high­ volume engagements.

“You can now mix and match,” Tuite said, “and have this quiver of capability in the back of your vehicle to load the appropriate effectors that you need given your mission.”

This flexibility is made possible by innovative hardware and software design. John Weinzettle, who directs the team designing the launcher, said most launchers today are built as small as possible to fit whatever they’re designed to fire, but their launcher is a little bigger with standardized connections. This means as needs on the battlefield evolve and new effectors are created, as long as they fit the size and connection requirements, they’ll be compatible with minimal changes.

That’s where the software comes in. Today, most effectors run off cards that are embedded in the launcher. To use a different effector, you’d have to take the launcher apart and rebuild it with a new card. The Multi-Mission Launcher team designed software that gives the launcher a common fire system.

“Now my fire control is more like a computer. I have a base chassis, where I can put cards in and change them,” Weinzettle said. “I don’t have to redesign everything every time.”

The software also enables the missiles to multi-task. Their main job is still to strike a target, but now, they will be able to collect data in flight with their sensors and send it back to the Lynx XM30 to provide its crew a clearer picture of the battlefield -including targets and threats that lurk beyond visual range.

“Today, we have launchers that can do direct fire munitions, which means I have to see the target to fire the effector on it,” Weinzettle said, “But now, you can now fire an effector that actually does ISR and strike beyond line of sight. We provide the software package that allows that to happen.”

The battlefield of tomorrow

According to Tuite, the Multi-Mission Launcher is fundamental to the military’s vision for a more connected battlespace. RTX is investing in several transformative technologies including artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and integrated systems to seamlessly connect sensors to shooters.

The XM30 is part of this vision because it drastically improves the mechanized infantry’s awareness and ability to act in combat. Today, the three-soldier Bradley crew has a limited view of the battlefield-the driver, gunner and commander look through periscopes to see what’s in front of them.

Tuite describes it as looking through a straw. To see anything outside of that straw, crews must ask headquarters to use another method of surveillance and relay the information back to them.

“Like an iceberg,” Tuite said, “what you see is barely 10 percent of what’s probably out there.”

Inside the proposed Lynx XM30, though, the crew would have screens that continuously display real-time data taken from aerial and ground sensors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will fuse that data and be able to show on a map what assets and adversaries are nearby.

“A fused picture is going to allow this entire formation to see a map that’s populated with essentially the other side of the chessboard,” Tuite said.

The launcher’s design team plans to have a version mounted to a turret for testing in 2025, and Weinzettle believes it will have applications beyond the XM30 as well.

“It never occurred to me that we would have systems that could fuse together a picture to tell me with pretty high fidelity where the enemy positions are before they could see me directly- and then provide the ability to actually affect them,” Tuite said. “As we go forward, I’m very excited for what this brings to the units.”

View Raytheon Partner Page

We’re outfitting Team Lynx’s XM30 with digitally engineered mission systems, enhancing flexibility and interoperability while reducing lifecycle costs.

L3Harris Technologies and the partners of Team Lynx – American Rheinmetall Vehicles, Textron Systems, Raytheon –  an RTX business, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries – are at the forefront of developing the Lynx XM30 for the U.S. Army’s next-generation combat vehicle program, revolutionizing protection, mobility, future growth, and lethality. As a key player in Team Lynx, we’re delivering mission systems using digital engineering and Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) for unmatched adaptability and cost efficiency.

Team Lynx, led by American Rheinmetall Vehicles, is one of two defense contractors down-selected by the Army to develop the XM30 Combat Vehicle.

MOSA’s open design allows for swift integration of evolving technologies, avoiding vendor lock and costly redesigns. This ensures the XM30 remains technologically advanced and cost-effective throughout its service life—a significant advantage for the Warfighter.

“Our team is at the forefront of integrating the Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA), utilizing it as a key enabler for the MOSA implementation,” says Jeff VanDorp, Chief Software Engineer, L3Harris Technologies. “This architecture serves as the backbone for our systems, ensuring interoperability and flexibility. By adopting this standardized framework, we are able to streamline the integration of advanced technologies and capabilities, while also facilitating easier upgrades and maintenance. This approach not only enhances the operational effectiveness of the Lynx XM30 but also ensures that it remains adaptable to the evolving needs of modern warfare.”

Jeff VanDorp, with 30 years’ experience in open architecture systems for ground and avionic platforms, has shaped key industry standards. His expertise is crucial to L3Harris and Team Lynx’s success.

L3Harris is equipping the Lynx XM30 with systems that enhance sensing, processing, sharing, and automation. These advancements ensure overmatch by increasing crew lethality and preserving the vehicle’s battlefield superiority against rapidly evolving threats.

The impact of the L3Harris MOSA-driven enhancements is multifaceted. First, it allows for seamless integration of next-generation sensors and weapons systems, which are crucial for detecting and engaging threats at greater distances and with higher precision. Second, the advanced data processing and sharing infrastructure ensures that critical information is relayed between crew members and other assets in real-time, enabling swift decision-making and coordinated actions. Lastly, the increased automation reduces cognitive load on the two-Soldier crew, allowing them to focus on operations while automated systems handle routine tasks.

These improvements translate into a decisive combat edge, where the Lynx XM30 can outmaneuver, outperform, and outlast adversary forces. The vehicle’s battlefield overmatch is preserved not just for today’s conflicts but is also poised to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of warfare, driven through the flexible and upgradable nature of the MOSA framework.

Learn more about L3Harris’ role in developing the XM30.

Team Lynx, led by American Rheinmetall is comprised of industry leaders in the defense space committed to our Warfighters and developing the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle, the XM30. Teammates Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries each bring unique capabilities to the team to ensure a vehicle full of world-class technology for critical military modernization.

Textron Systems is a powerhouse in the defense industry, known for its cutting-edge technology, vehicle development, and systems integration. As a leader in vehicle manufacturing, Textron Systems plays a crucial role in producing land, sea, and air products for the defense sector.

With an impressive vehicle manufacturing facility in Slidell, LA, Textron Systems has a proven track record of producing high-quality ground combat vehicles to support Warfighters across a variety of mission sets. The facility has produced over 10,000 vehicles for 15 programs of record, showcasing the company’s expertise and dedication to excellence.

Textron Systems’ presence in Louisiana is not only creating job opportunities but also supporting the local economy. With over 158,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and an additional 30,000 sq ft of warehousing space, the facility is a hub of activity and innovation. Furthermore, Textron Systems works with a variety of suppliers based in the Gulf States region, including local small businesses for welding, raw material and subsystem components, and machinists, further highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting American jobs and promoting economic growth.

As part of Team Lynx, Textron Systems is not only pushing the boundaries of vehicle manufacturing but also investing in the future of American manufacturing. For its part, Textron Systems is planning $3.7 million worth of investments in 2024 bringing the 2023-2025 total planned investment to $6.7 million. Textron Systems is committed to ensuring the manufacturing facilities are ready to support its Team Lynx partners throughout the XM30 program. Said facilities are ISO 9001-2015 certified and AS9100 compliant, with certification anticipated by fall 2024.

Textron Systems is a trusted partner to Team Lynx and a key contributor to the XM30 Combat Vehicle manufacturing efforts. Through provision of facilities and a talented workforce, Textron Systems clearly promotes Americanization and local economic growth.  In support of America’s warfighters, Textron Systems and Team Lynx will deliver one of the most advanced pieces of technology the battlefield has ever seen.

Team Lynx is committed to winning the U.S. Army’s XM30 Combat Vehicle program, which is entering the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. The XM30 is the next generation Combat Vehicle which will replace the existing Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

As a member of Team Lynx, Allison Transmission is in good company when it comes to focus on supporting our National Defense initiatives in the pursuit of XM30 using the help of those that have answered the call to serve in the armed forces themselves, our Veterans. For nearly 100 years, Allison has supported the American Warfighter through the manufacture of transmissions used in Defense vehicles. However, what isn’t often mentioned are those that are involved with the design, development, and manufacturing of those systems. The combination of all Team Lynx members including American Rheinmetall, Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries employ thousands of Veterans across many critical functions. In today’s private sector, organizational and leadership skills are in high demand. Team Lynx employs and continues to aggressively recruit Veterans as they bring exceptional knowledge, skills, and abilities in these areas. In addition, the firsthand operational experience with Defense vehicles at the end user level in the environment for which they’re designed makes their contributions to Team Lynx invaluable.

“Leadership is the area of my military experience that I apply most to my job in Ground Systems at L3Harris,” said U.S. Army Veteran Michael Froebel, L3Harris. “Leading teams in high-pressure environments has honed my ability to make critical decisions, manage diverse teams and ensure mission success. This directly translates to effectively managing projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and delivering on complex Defense systems.”

Previous armed forces experience gained by the workforce plays a massive role in the team’s success. Michael Clemens of Textron Systems mentioned how his experience in the U.S. Army makes it easier to understand the needs of the Warfighter based on shared experiences from the battlefield and an understanding of how to solve unique problem sets.

“Veterans bring a unique capability to Raytheon and our industry partners – relevant user-based experience,” said U.S. Army Veteran Pat M, Raytheon. “Everything we design, build, and deliver to our customers benefits from our Veteran-employees’ intimate knowledge of employment, training, and operational applications that can’t be taught in the conventional academic curriculum.”

With a focus on more than just recruiting Veterans, Team Lynx organizations offer programs geared toward retaining those individuals as well. Allison has launched an Employee Resource Group (ERG) with the mission to challenge, develop and grow the Allison Veteran workforce. “Several members of the Defense group coordinated an initiative called ‘It Means More’,” said Todd Finley, retired U.S. Marine, and active participant of the Allison Veteran ERG.  “The purpose of this initiative was to connect with the employees in our Defense production facilities and emphasize the importance of their activities and how their efforts ultimately support the Warfighter.” The resource group gives line-of-site to Veteran benefits as well as provides professional development opportunities, fundraising initiatives, volunteer, recruitment, and scholarships. Allison co-founded INvets, connecting discharging Veterans with manufacturing jobs and was the recipient of the Pro Patria Award for demonstrated support of the Indiana National Guard and Reserve in 2022.

Raytheon’s VAALOR mentoring program provides opportunities for learning by fostering mentor-mentee relationships to help guide employees in their professional growth. Raytheon also supports Veterans through involvement with “The Mission Continues” for volunteer opportunities and a partnership with Student Veterans of America to aid Veteran students in their pursuit of higher education in addition to scholarship opportunities. This is complemented by American Rheinmetall’s sponsorship of Skillbridge which is a Department of Defense initiative to provide tuition assistance and internship programs to retiring Veterans. Over 14% of American Rheinmetall are U.S. Veterans.

Team Lynx appreciates and supports all of those defending our Nation and is proud to have such an abundant number of Veteran’s engaged. When it comes to finding a team determined to break the mold and deliver next generation technology to those in the armed forces, look no further than joining one of the many organizations of Team Lynx.

Team Lynx, led by American Rheinmetall Vehicles, is comprised of six industry leading partners, Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission, and Anduril Industries. Together these teammates are utilizing their broad range of expertise to develop the Lynx XM30, to support the U.S. Army’s XM30 Program. Each teammate is comprised of a diverse workforce bringing a depth of knowledge across a wide array of industries. From engineers to project managers, Team Lynx brings together the best of the best. Read on to get to know some of the motivated members on Team Lynx!

American Rheinmetall Vehicles

The lead for the team, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, brings together a diverse employee base, located in the heart of the Army’s vehicle manufacturing epicenter, Detroit, Michigan.

Finnie Lazaris

Finnie Lazaris, Business Manager for American Rheinmetall Vehicles, has been with the company for about six months and is responsible for managing the execution of program finance management processes and procedures. She brings great experience and expertise to the company and greater Team Lynx after having served as a Planning and Control Manager in the defense industry for 23 years. Finnie enjoys working with various departments within American Rheinmetall Vehicles and learning how each contributes different key components to the whole of the Team’s XM30 vehicle design. For Finnie, being part of Team Lynx fosters collaboration, camaraderie, and the opportunity to leverage diverse skills and perspectives to serve a common goal. The modern vehicle infrastructure of the Lynx XM30 is the portion of the design that Finnie finds most interesting and necessary. “I think safety is very critical to the program because it ensures the protection of our Soldiers, and allows them to return home safely”, she said. On the battlefield our Soldiers are our greatest asset, and it’s imperative that we prioritize their protection and well-being by delivering the best combat vehicle solution possible.

Bharat Odedra

Team Lynx has a way of drawing people in and creating an energy that drives dedication and commitment to working hard. Bharat Odedra, Vehicle Test Manager for American Rheinmetall Vehicles, is coming up on his two-year mark with the company after having worked in the industry for 16 years where he was most recently responsible for planning and managing the testing of the M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle. Bharat’s experience serves him well as he and his test team work to find ways they can support the development phase of the Lynx XM30 design to maximize its effectiveness and ultimately become the Army’s design of choice. The vehicle’s drive-by-wire and silent maneuver capabilities are the most exciting features of the design in Bharat’s opinion as they are new technologies for large armored vehicles, which require creative thinking to develop new ways of testing. The members of Team Lynx are a good mix of people from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds, including a large number of Veterans. The new perspectives that this group brings to the Lynx XM30 design are refreshing to Bharat, and he feels that this provides the opportunity and environment to challenge the ‘tried-and-tested’ way of conducting vehicle testing. “I feel the XM30 platform will establish a new level of warfighting capability gap between us and our adversaries”, he commented. The Army’s XM30 combat vehicle is a critical and monumental step towards modernization, and Bharat is excited to be part of a team that is working to provide that capability.

Josh Moo

Josh Moo is the Lethality Manager at American Rheinmetall Vehicles who brings 20 years of combat vehicle development for lethality and survivability to Team Lynx and the Lynx XM30 design. In his role on Team Lynx, Josh is dedicated to focusing on ensuring that the Lynx XM30 is a true asset to American Soldiers – not a designed-by-committee hindrance. History is full of examples of where the American Soldier has succeeded through skill, bravery, and grit while fighting the limitations of their own equipment. With the Lynx XM30, American Soldiers can be confident that the vehicle will get them safely across the battlefield and support them at the objective. Most of Josh’s duties focus on leading trade studies and integrating systems onto the Lynx XM30 platform. The team has conducted extensive trade studies to seek the world’s best armor, active protection, and other survivability systems available.

“While we draw on the decades of experience of our coworkers and partners, I am psyched that Team Lynx has an exciting and dynamic startup culture feel that allows us to quickly adjust to changing battlefield requirements,”  _ Josh Moo, Lethality Manager at American Rheinmetall Vehicles

Textron Systems

The vehicle manufacturer for this program, Textron Systems, brings more than five decades of ground vehicle manufacturing experience having produced more than 10,000 vehicles. Remaining an industry leader in this competitive and evolving space requires innovative and eager employees, ready to support the Warfighter. Textron Systems is proud to have such top talent dedicated to the XM30 program and delivering the best vehicle possible.

Zach Bupp

Zach Bupp, Program Director- Crewed Ground Vehicles, has been an employee with Textron Systems for 17 years beginning as a college intern in 2007, accepting a full-time role with the company upon graduation. His passion for technology and the activities involved in the different phases and awards of this program keep him excited as he looks forward to what each new day brings. Zach commented, “The partnership and working relationship that we have established as teammates is fantastic. We have clear lines of communication and are able to challenge each other in a healthy mindset.” Zach’s leadership is vital as he continues to motivate and inspire the rest of the Textron Systems’ team

Mike Clemens

Another vital member of the Textron team is Mike Clemens, Director for Military Global Sales and Strategy and the business development lead on the program. An Army veteran, Mike previously worked as a civilian at the Army’s Futures Command focusing on the next generation of combat vehicles before joining Textron Systems 18 months ago. Sitting in Textron Systems’ Detroit office, Mike is able to connect with both members of the American Rheinmetall team as well as Army leadership. This role allows Mike to leverage his experience with service members, providing opportunities to interact with Soldiers and leaders alike. Mike plays a key role on the team as he continues to provide direct lines of communication and feedback between the teammates and the Warfighters

“Textron Systems offers an experienced and proven American manufacturing capability that will not only support Team Lynx but also has the potential to be part of a revitalization of the defense industrial base,” – Mike Clemens, Director for Military Global Sales and Strategy, Textron Systems.  

Raytheon

Raytheon, an RTX business and one of the largest and most capable aerospace and defense companies in the world, brings expertise to Team Lynx in digital design, modeling and simulation, and integration of complex systems onto platforms. For XM30, Raytheon brings forward the new Multi-Mission Launcher which can fire the company’s TOW™, Javelin, and the Coyote® Block 3 loitering munition as well as other effectors directed by the Army on the technology pathway.

A key member of the Raytheon team supporting Team Lynx is Jim T., the lead Requirements & Capabilities director focused on Tactical Effectors, Platforms and Systems Integration. Jim has been with Raytheon since 2021 following a senior military advisor role to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and a distinguished career in the U.S. Army. Jim brings a Warfighter perspective and a mission-first mindset to his role, both critical in shaping the capabilities and functionality of our contribution to the Army’s next generation combat vehicle. He commented, “The Team Lynx XM30 offer brings together the very best technologies from the leading domestic and international vendors to provide the Army Warfighter with a truly world-class capability.”
Raytheon’s extensive experience, spanning a broad portfolio of command and control, sensor and effector solutions, is leveraged in the development, evaluation, and iteration of advanced concept systems.

L3Harris Technologies

Located in Melbourne, Florida, L3Harris Technologies is a leader in developing and integrating complex engineering solutions, designed to fit a variety of mission sets and platforms. The team combines leaders across all arrays of engineering to develop advanced and innovative solutions.

Jeff VanDorp

Jeff VanDorp, Chief Software Engineer for L3Harris Ground Systems, has nearly 30 years of experience developing and integrating open architecture systems similar to ground systems common infrastructure architecture. Throughout his career, Jeff has primarily worked with integrated modular avionics systems on both commercial and military aircraft. He has also contributed to the development and implementation of standards such as DO-297, ARINC653, and the FACE™ Technical Standard. Jeff’s expertise and leadership are vital to the success of L3Harris and Team Lynx.

“I am excited to apply the modular open systems approach (MOSA) principles, learned from decades of development in aviation, to the ground vehicle industry and enable rapid technology insertion for our Warfighters,” – Jeff VanDorp, Chief Software Engineer, L3Harris Technologies.

Leqi (Ken) Zhang

Leqi (Ken) Zhang, a Systems Engineer at L3Harris for eight years, has been an advocate and practitioner of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for 18 years. He appreciates the commitment from the Army and Team Lynx in applying MBSE methodology to facilitate the development of the XM30 system. “The groundwork the Army has laid for the XM30 program to enable effective application of MBSE and Digital Engineering is the most comprehensive I have seen,” said Zhang. “I am confident that Team Lynx can effectively operate within this new paradigm and develop cost-effective, modular open systems approach (MOSA)-aligned solutions for the Warfighters.”

Allison Transmission

Allison Transmission, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the transmission supplier for the team’s XM30 vehicle offering. With facilities across the globe, Allison Transmission combines the expertise of leaders from across all regions of the world.

Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries, headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, provides next-generation software-defined, hardware enabled systems and brings its deep experience in software development, mission autonomy, systems integration, and command and control to Team Lynx. Anduril’s software provides the necessary automation within the XM30 to enable two-Soldier crew operations and enhances mission effectivity and efficiency. Anduril’s control software will have continuous and rapid development, integration, and delivery cycles, enabling persistent modernization for combat vehicles to rapidly adapt to constantly evolving operational and threat environments.

Hiring diverse talent with a passion for providing Soldiers with the most advanced and capable technology possible is crucial to success in the XM30 program. Each of the partners on Team Lynx looks forward to continued teamwork and is committed to developing the most advanced combat vehicle solution suited for the diverse range of Soldier mission sets.

In the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, technological advancements and strategic collaborations are indispensable elements of the Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicle modernization program. One such groundbreaking development is Team Lynx’s XM30, developed by a formidable team built on the foundation of innovation, experience, and strategic collaboration.

American Rheinmetall and Team Lynx are developing a next-generation combat vehicle – the Lynx XM30 – that achieves the Army’s requirements for a combat vehicle with unbeatable protection, unsurpassed firepower, and unrelenting mobility. Operating with other units or independently, the vehicle can sense, move, and strike in a connected, rapidly changing, complex, and lethal operational environment unlike any combat vehicle before, providing the Army a decisive edge on the battlefield.

American Rheinmetall was one of two companies down selected by the Army in 2023 to compete in phase 3 and 4 of the XM30 Combat Vehicle program, driving towards a production decision in 2027.

Technological Advancements

At the heart of the Lynx XM30 lies numerous technological advancements that redefine the capabilities of armored combat vehicles. The Lynx XM30 far exceeds current generation combat vehicles through its transformational design and capabilities. While traditional combat vehicles focus on the time-honored “iron triangle” of mobility, protection, and firepower, what makes the Lynx XM30 truly transformational is the addition of its hyper connected, all digital, networked command and control capabilities, enabling and simplifying multi-domain maneuver.

Moreover, Team Lynx’s XM30 incorporates a modular design, open architecture, and power generation that enables the rapid integration of new technologies as they become available. This provides the Lynx XM30 and our Soldiers overmatch now and in the future.

Enhanced Situational Awareness

In an era where information is a decisive factor in the outcome of military engagements, the Lynx XM30 sets new standards for situational awareness. Equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite, including advanced sights, 360o situational awareness cameras, radar systems, and infrared sensors, the vehicle provides a comprehensive and real-time picture of the battlefield.

The fusion of sensor data through advanced processing algorithms allows the Lynx XM30 to generate actionable intelligence for its crew, enabling them to make informed decisions in the heat of battle. The vehicle’s integrated augmented reality display further enhances crew situational awareness, offering a 360-degree view of the surroundings, even in challenging environments.

Strategic Industrial Partnerships

American designed and manufactured –a key strength of Team Lynx lies in its strategic partnerships among U.S. defense industrial base leaders, each contributing specialized expertise to ensure the success of this ambitious project.

Team Lynx is led by American Rheinmetall of Sterling Heights, MI, a renowned innovator of advanced tracked and wheeled combat vehicles. American Rheinmetall is the Team Lynx prime contractor, responsible for design authority, integration, and program management.

Textron Systems provides prototyping and manufacturing support to Team Lynx at their world class Slidell, LA facility. Textron Systems is an industry leader in unmanned land, surface and air products, services, and support for aerospace and defense customers. The company brings robotic and systems integration capabilities gained from current and previous programs of records across all domains. Textron’s Slidell, LA facility has produced more than 10,000 vehicles for more than 15 programs of record and offers 158,000sqft of total manufacturing space, and 30,000sqft of warehousing,

Raytheon, one of the largest and most capable aerospace and defense companies in the world, brings to Team Lynx expertise in digital design, modeling and simulation, and integration of complex systems onto platforms. For XM30, Raytheon brings forward the new Multi-Mission Launcher which can fire the company’s TOW™, Javelin, and the Coyote® Block 3 loitering munition as well as other effectors directed by the Army on the technology pathway. The company’s extensive experience, spanning a broad portfolio of command and control, sensor and effector solutions, is leveraged in the development, evaluation, and iteration of advanced system concepts.

L3Harris Technologies is an agile defense technology innovator, rapidly delivering forward-looking solutions that solve customers’ toughest challenges. L3Harris’ multi-domain expertise in open architecture, vehicle mission systems, cybersecurity, and communications brings tremendous capability to Team Lynx. Its history of using a modular open systems approach is fundamental to delivering a cutting-edge combat vehicle with the ability to rapidly adapt as modern and contemporary threats emerge and evolve.

Allison Transmission is the leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles, the largest global manufacturer of medium-and-heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions and a leader in electrified propulsion systems. Allison will provide the eGen Force™ Transmission for the Lynx XM30 that will enable electric hybrid propulsion as well as electric-only silent maneuverability.

Anduril Industries provides next-generation software-defined, hardware enabled systems and brings its deep experience in software development, mission autonomy, systems integration, and command and control to Team Lynx. Anduril’s software provides the necessary automation within the XM30 to enable two-Soldier crew operations and enhances mission effectivity and efficiency. Anduril’s control software will have continuous and rapid development, integration, and delivery cycles, enabling persistent modernization for CVs to rapidly adapt to constantly evolving operational and threat environments.

Future Possibilities

Team Lynx’s XM30 is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. With its advanced features, strategic partnerships, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, the Lynx XM30 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of armored combat vehicles.

Looking ahead, the Lynx XM30 is positioned to become a linchpin in the Army’s combat vehicle fleet, providing our Soldiers unmatched survivability, lethality, and mobility – and battlefield overmatch for generations to come.

The U.S. Army has a long and impressive history of making and inspiring new inventions. It includes some foundational technology in use today – all modern computers come from systems built by the Army Research Laboratory. But it also covers more practical territory, like duct tape, insect spray and aviator sunglasses.

Whatever the technology, all had one goal in mind, and that is to ensure the U.S. Army was better equipped than its adversaries.

Today that same spirit lives on in efforts to create new weapons and other systems to keep the Army ahead of new and rapidly evolving threats. To feed this innovation and stay at the technological forefront, L3Harris is working with our Army customers to use Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA) to preserve advantages for soldiers in the field.

MOSA ties into the Army’s Futures Command (AFC) which formed in 2018 to focus on modernization efforts. Its eight cross functional teams tie into Army priorities, including Next Generation Combat Vehicles (NGCV), Army networks and Future Vertical Lift (FVL).

These teams are part of the Army’s continuous technology modernization and transformation effort — essential as adversaries continue to become more agile. MOSA is at the forefront of the AFC’s modernization effort, which the Army has indicated is paramount in achieving overmatch, commonality and total lifecycle affordability.

The magnitude of MOSA’s impact on Army modernization is far-reaching. It is more than following a defined set of standards, it’s an approach that enables latest technology integration at the speed of relevancy, whether it be weapons, navigation or communication. It ensures sustained interoperability and protected operations on the future battlefield – wherever that may be.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO THE ARMY?

As MOSA quickly becomes an accepted approach within the Army and its industry partners, it becomes important to take a deeper dive into its strategy.

The Army adopted a MOSA technical and business approach to ensure its industry partners design affordable and adaptable systems that work in unison – with a consistent set of open interfaces and modular hardware and software elements. With industry partners implementing MOSA, the Army can now integrate new hardware or software solutions without having to make significant changes to the overall platform, as long as the solution conforms to the Army’s selected open interface standards.

This approach considerably reduces cost and downtime and rapidly provides the warfighter with the latest innovative, cutting-edge technology. This capability is critical when facing today’s ever-increasingly agile and adaptable near-peer threats.

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

For the Army to succeed at integrating open-systems approaches, consistent interfaces across multiple platforms, services and allies need to be a focus. This creates much larger markets, encourages industry adoption and investment, and allows for greater reuse and simplified digital interoperability.

Commitment in the form of strong “shall” statements in contracts will ensure ambiguous “do MOSA to the maximum extent practicable” jargon is eliminated, bringing the true industry experts into focus. Standards that come with objective measures of compliance and conformance are necessary to ensure the Army is truly getting an open system.

As a long-standing MOSA industry partner, L3Harris continues to contribute both expertise and technologically advanced solutions for many of the Army’s modernization priorities. One such effort is the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) which will replace the currently fielded M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, part of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) portfolio of programs.

As an integration partner to American Rheinmetall (AR), the prime on the program, L3Harris is providing leading-edge sights, communications and other mission capabilities to ARV’s Lynx offering, as well as providing MOSA subject-matter expertise.

“Lynx provides warfighters with leading-edge technology to dominate future battlefields,” said Matt Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall. “A big part of retaining overmatch is modular open systems approaches and digital engineering, which L3Harris is a partner in providing, a strength of the American Rheinmetall team and a benefit to the soldiers.”

OPENLY WORKING TOGETHER

L3Harris understands that to remain dominant, the Army must evolve faster and be more adaptable than its adversaries. As an industry partner to the Army, L3Harris continues to advance MOSA strategies and deliver verifiable open-systems solutions in the systems they provide.

As L3Harris continues to expand MOSA adoption into its latest technology offerings, the company remains committed to ensuring warfighters are mission ready by shortening technology development timelines, reducing maintenance and upgrade costs while creating interoperability and avoiding vendor lock so the Army can dominate the future battlefield.

As an example of its commitment to ensuring the latest technology and advancements are provided to the warfighter, L3Harris has recently introduced the Agile Development Group (ADG), an innovative team of engineers, program managers, technicians and operations professionals focused on accelerating capability development to address emerging threats and solve customers’ most vexing problems.

“We understand that to remain dominant, the U.S. must evolve faster and be more adaptable than its adversaries,” L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems President Ed Zoiss said. “This is only possible with MOSA, and we are committed to the Army’s mission to stay head of rapidly evolving threats by delivering technology, faster and more efficiently than ever before”.

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Backed by Textron Systems’ strong manufacturing history, Team Lynx is poised to deliver an elite, advanced Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) to the U.S. Army that provides overmatch today and tomorrow.

When Textron Systems agreed to team with American Rheinmetall to become a part of “Team Lynx,” the atmosphere was one of enthusiasm. “We’re excited to be part of the process because of what we’re able to bring to the table,” said Rich Ledet, Director of Manufacturing for Land Systems at Textron Systems. “We know we’re bringing the customer the best solution and are postured very well to be a disrupter within the industrial base.” Indeed, with over 50 years of armored vehicle experience, Textron Systems brings a strong history of world-class manufacturing to its customers.

With the addition of Textron Systems into Team Lynx, the group is a strong competitor for the coveted OMFV contract because of Textron’s strong past performance. Said Ledet, “In terms of the U.S. Army specifically, we have a record of completed high-rate production and 100% on-time delivery for armored vehicles. We were supporting them both in Iraq and Afghanistan, and manufactured 48 vehicles a month for six years – sometimes 60 vehicles per month – and in all cases, we delivered.”

As to why Textron Systems wanted to partner with American Rheinmetall for Team Lynx, Ledet was clear, “This is a win-win for us; Rheinmetall products are fantastic, they design and build good stuff and stuff that works well. It was an easy decision for us to join with the team because we knew we’d start with a good base product and be able to expand upon it for a completely American vehicle.” And that’s exactly one myth Team Lynx wants to dispel – that this is simply a German vehicle. “This is an American vehicle, purpose-built for the U.S. Army,” Ledet explained. The vehicle will be manufactured at Textron Systems’ Stone Road facility in Slidell, Louisiana. It’s a sophisticated and robust manufacturing facility, which can quickly scale from small to large production orders. Textron Systems has manufactured over 10,000 vehicles for the U.S. government and customers worldwide, and they have supported domestic customers for over 20 years.

Making up the remainder of Team Lynx are Raytheon, providing sensor and effector capabilities along with software and system engineering support; L3Harris, providing electronic architecture, cyber capabilities, and modular open system approach; and Allison Transmission, developing and building the transmission with drive-by-wire capability.

The newly designed vehicle traces its lineage to the Lynx KF41 – a true next-generation combat vehicle with elite protection, mobility, growth and lethality capabilities. The Lynx OMFV platform designed and delivered by the U.S. team will support the Army’s number two modernization priority of providing next-generation ground combat vehicles. Team Lynx will also benefit the American industrial base. Not only will the vehicle be designed and built in the United States, but the majority of the supply base is U.S. content. “We will be purchasing here locally. We’ll be sourcing materials here to build the vehicle, and the sourcing of materials, the machining, fabrication, cut parts…all will be ordered and manufactured in the United States. Team Lynx will increase the industrial base here and around the country in terms of the work scope,” said Ledet.

Ledet summed up the partnership simply, “It’s the right skill set, the right teaming partners, and it has just worked from day one.”

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