Military

M992A2 Fire Direction Center Vehicle (FDCV)

The Fire Direction Center Vehicle (FDCV) is an M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) which has been reconfigured into a Platoon Operations Center (POC). The Fire Direction Center Vehicle (FDCV) / Field Artillery Operations Center Vehicle (FAOCV) is the command and control partner for M109 series howitzers. Based on the M109 family of vehicles, FDCV/FAOCV provides low-cost, survivable command and control for artillery operations. It is a highly mobile, maintainable and survivable platform that can set up in minutes. A flexible design includes up to four computer workstations, or it can be configured for manual operations.

It supports multiple radio and computer systems, and can be equipped with an optional antenna mast that greatly aids in command and control missions. The system provides the command element with the same mobility as the M109A6 Paladin. If required, bolt-on armor can be added to protect the specialist personnel and equipment carried.

FDCV/FAOCV shares a common chassis, automotive controls and drive train with the M109 family, greatly enhancing maintainability, and it is 80 percent common to the M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV), increasing battlefield survivability. This vehicle was highly rated during Task Force XXI, where it maintained a 99.3 percent operational readiness rate.

The Fire Direction Center Vehicle (FDCV) was been tested at the US Army School of Artillery at Fort Sill to prove the feasibility and function of the concept under field and NBC conditions. Two FDCVs replaced two of the six M1068 SICPS belonging to the EXFOR artillery battalion (4-42 FA) in the TF XXI. The following equipment was carried in the prototype FDCV: mast system with OE254 antenna which is 11.28 m high when elevated; mast elevation control box; mast elevation control power unit; packet digital radio; RT524/VRC receiver/transmitter radios (4); printer; liquid cooling vest connect points (9 stations); tactical graphics terminal; tactical display; ANS 2000 land navigation system display; ANS 2000 land navigation system heading reference unit; M13A1 filtered air system for NBC ventilated facepieces; M43 NBC detector; M42 alarm; M49 NBC collective protective system; APU; air-conditioner (36,000 BTU cooling/heating); ventilation filter/blower; HEL computer (PDP1134); plotter; CRT terminal; digitiser; liquid cooling vest control box; M10 protective entrance; battery boxes and batteries; liquid cooling vest chilling unit; four extra personnel seats and additional stowage compartments.

The equipment used in the FDCV is a mix of 'off-the-shelf' or prototype products assembled for the concept, for which the internal headroom and armour of the M992 hull is eminently suitable. A system is a standard reconfigured FAASV M992A2 and An/GYK-37(V)2 lightweight computer unit and associated equipment. One of the LCUs is loaded with Battery Computer System (BCS) and the other is loaded with Advanced Field Artillery Technical Data System (AFATDS) Software. One of the stations is outfitted with a V2 Applique Computer and its associated situation awareness software. The Fire Direction Officer (FDO) has a separate work station which will consist of a desk-like surface, storage for documentation, manuals, ancillary equipment, a map board, and a 21 " Flat Panel Display to a monitor either of the LCUs or the V2 Applique Computer. The work station has one VRC-89 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) with all associated hardware. The Radio is modified to include the TF XXI System Improvement Program capabilities and internet controller (SINCGARS SIP/INC). The FDCV also has one VRC-90 and VRC-92 SINCGARS SIP/INC Radios.