Army combines advanced technology programs
- By Dawn S. Onley
- Feb 16, 2005
The Army has merged its Land Warrior and Future Force Warrior initiatives to speed development of new technologies.
General Dynamics Corp.'s C4 Systems division will manage the merged program, according to a press release issued by the company. C4 Systems had been responsible for the Land Warrior advanced technology demonstration program, while the company's Land Systems division was in charge of the Future Force Warrior advanced technology demonstration initiative.
'This consolidation gives the Army the efficiency of having a single prime contractor managing the complementary and mutually supporting efforts to develop new technologies and integrate soldier systems with combat platforms,' said Carol Fitzgerald, the Army's Future Force Warrior Technology Program manager. 'It will enhance the Army's ability to bring technologies to soldiers quickly and more efficiently. We see this as a big 'win-win.''
The consolidation forms the baseline for the Army's Ground Soldier Systems program, a key plan to develop, produce, test and field advanced capabilities, starting this year.
Land Warrior integrates small arms with high-tech equipment and came about more than a decade ago, after an Army study group recommended that the service look at the soldier as a complete, highly networked weapons system. The initial increment to the program brings a dismounted battle command system to soldiers.
Later this year, General Dynamics will deliver 500 Land Warrior systems to a Stryker battalion to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures.
Future Force Warrior is considered the Army's flagship science and technology program. It's designed to create and test new technologies to support Army transformation.