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| FY99 Annual Report | |||
OBJECTIVE INDIVIDUAL COMBAT WEAPON (OICW)
| Army ACAT III Program | Prime Contractor | |
| Total Number of Rounds: | Over $1M | Alliant Techsystems |
| Total Program Cost (TY$): | $772M (Current POM) | |
| Average Unit Cost (TY$): | <$30 per round - ATD threshold | |
| Full-rate production: | FY06 |
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010
The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) is to be the next generation infantry weapon to replace the 5.56mm M16A2 assault rifle, M4 carbine, and M249 squad automatic weapon, along with the 40mm M203 grenade launcher. OICW will fire high explosive air bursting munitions (20mm) and lightweight kinetic energy projectiles (NATO 5.56mm). The new capabilities of this weapon system will support precision engagement and dominant maneuver by dismounted forces in Joint Vision 2010.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This system constitutes the weapon subsystem portion of the Land Warrior program. As a result of the Live Fire Test Oversight for Small and Medium Caliber Ammunition group's meetings, OICW (specifically, the high explosive air bursting munition) was identified as an LFT&E candidate and placed under DOT&E oversight in December 1996.
TEST & EVALUATION ACTIVITY
This program will enter Milestone I the 1QFY00. At Milestone I, this program will transition from Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) status into its Program Definition and Risk Reduction phase. An approved strategy for OICW is expected to be included in the TEMP supporting Live Fire tests expected to occur in FY05.
LFT&E activity during FY99 focused on the development of an acceptable combined LFT&E strategy and Event Design Plan for OICW advanced technology demonstrations. During an ATD demonstration test, a Highly Explosive airburst munition experienced an ignition anomaly causing personnel injury. A root cause analysis has not been completed. It is not uncommon in testing of new weapon systems for anomalies to occur.
TEST & EVALUATION ASSESSMENT
The most recent draft strategy for OICW, submitted in December 1998, has been reviewed by DOT&E. This strategy outlines more than 200 shots against a variety of targets in various environments. Although the proposed LFT&E program appears sufficiently robust, final agreement has not been reached.
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