FY79 Stuff
From FY79 Documents:
(1) M-60 Series Tanks
In FY 1978 we will continue to produce M-60 series tanks using the increased production capacity previously funded. In FY 1979 we will reduce production to 508 tanks and begin the phase-down by ceasing procurement of castings from the Wheeling, West Virginia, foundry. FY 1980 will be the final year of funding for production of M-60 series tanks, since by the end of the FY 1980 funded delivery period the first XM-1 tank production facility should reach a proven minimum sustaining rate of 30 tanks per month. In FY 1979 we propose to fund 480 M-60 tanks for the U.S. Army and 28 tanks for the USMC. This results in an average monthly production rate of 42 production units per month. The total request for these systems in FY 1979 is $401 million.
In addition, we will continue our major modification program for M-60 and M60A1 series tanks. In FY 1979 we request $98 million for the procurement of modification kits.
(2) XM-1
The first XM-1 tanks will be delivered during the FY 1979 funded delivery period. This tank represents a significant improvement in tank design and remains an essential component of our plans to counter Warsaw Pact forces. Although we continue to plan for maximum procurement of 60 tanks per month during the program period, we believe it prudent to provide maximum production facilities as soon as possible. This will allow us to produce at rates as high as 150 tanks per month should that be necessary. FY 1979 represents the first year of funding in an accelerated program to build XM-1 tank facilities. In FY 1979 we propose to fund 110 XM-1 tanks while in FY 1980 we propose to fund 569 XM-ls. We have not yet made a decision regarding the installation of a 105mm or 120mm gun for follow-on production. Tanks produced with FY 1979 and FY 1980 funds will be armed with the 105mm gun. The XM-1 tank is capable of accepting a 120mm gun if we decide that later production tanks should be so equipped.
(b) Armored Carriers
In FY 1979 and FY 1980 we will procure 1,207 M113 series armored personnel carriers. These carriers will be applied toward war reserves and will replace obsolete M114s and 1/4-ton trucks used as substitutes in CONUS-based units. In order to improve the mobility and armor protection of the TOW missile system, we have begun a program to modify M113 carriers. The modification involves the basic M113A1 chassis with an elevated two-launcher TOW turret which allows the missiles to be fired while the crew and vehicle are in complete defilade and protected with armor against indirect splintering munitions. This vehicle is known as the Improved Tow Vehicle (ITV). The total request for FY 1979 is $149 million, which will procure 910 M113s and 660 Army ITV modifications.
IFV/CFV - We have decided not to proceed with procurement, in its present configuration, of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle/Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (IFV/CFV), formerly known as the Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV). While our simulations and war games indicate that the proliferation of armor-protected anti-tank missiles provided by the IFV/CFV would greatly increase the anti-armor effectiveness of a combat unit, we are concerned whether this additional effectiveness is worth the high cost of the system. Accordingly, during the coming year, we will examine and undertake research and development of alternative, less expensive configurations of this concept.
(c) Anti-armor Weapons
Studies of the October 1973 Middle East conflict and of Soviet military literature have underscored the critical need for improved Infantry anti-armor weapons. The Advanced Heavy Anti-tank Missile [System (AHAMS) will be designed to defeat advanced armored vehicles in the projected threat, with a minimum degradation owing to rain, smoke, dust, and sophisticated electronic and electro-optical countermeasures. In addition, this system will have an improved rate of fire and extended range to improve the odds against a numerically superior force. A competitive concept definition phase is underway now with the two best system concepts to begin development in 1979. A plan to explore the potential of a NATO cooperative effort has been initiated and discussions are taking place in appropriate NATO arenas.
The COBRA-TOW acquisition plan includes both procurement of new production AH-1S helicopters and modification of existing inventories of AH-1Gs to the AH-1S configuration. Procurement of 297 new production AH-1Ss will continue in FY 1979 with 78 helicopters at a cost of $137 million. This program will be completed in FY 1980 with funding for 15 helicopters at $31 million. The FY 1979 request also continues the modification of existing AH-1Gs to AH-1Ss recognizing the relatively low cost and high payoff of this program. The COBRA-TOW acquisition plan pill result in an homogeneous fleet of 987 AH-IS attack helicopters to fill the "low" side of the "high/low" attack helicopter requirement.
(c) Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH)
The AAH is planned as the more capable, "high" side of the anti-armor attack helicopter fleet and as the Army's anti-armor helicopter of the future. This highly capable, day/night aircraft would be able to engage enemy forces with a broad range of both conventional and laser guided weapons. A totally integrated advanced technology program, the AAH would be more reliable, survivable, easily maintained, and possess more firepower than any existing helicopter. Hughes Helicopters of the Summa Corporation won the Phase I competition and has been awarded a full-scale engineering development contract to integrate fully all subsystems — the HELLFIRE missile system, the 30mm gun, the Pilot's Night Vision System (PNVS), and the Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS) — in the Hughes airframe. The current program calls for procurement of 536 aircraft. RDT&E funding is provided in FY 1979 and FY 1980 to continue AAH development. Initial procurement of 18 aircraft is planned for FY 1981.
(d) HELLFIRE
Since the HELLFIRE missile system is being developed as a integral subsystem of the AAH it is covered here. While the helicopter-launched TOW missile provides a dramatic increase in attack helicopter capability, it is seriously limited because the launching helicopter must remain exposed to guide the missile to the target. The laser-guided HELLFIRE missile system represents an improvement over the TOW missile for helicopter applications. HELLFIRE, with its semi-active laser seeker, does not have to be guided to the target by the launching helicopter, but can home in on the laser illumination of the target from a remote source such as another helicopter (AAH or ASH) or a ground laser designator. Theoretically the attack helicopter could launch HELLFIRE while in defilade if the direction of the target were known and coordination with a remote laser illuminator could be effected. HELLFIRE speed, range, and lethality are also greater than TOW. Funds are requested in FY 1979 in the amount of $65 million to continue engineering development. In FY 1980, $14.7 million is requested for initial production facilities.
(e) UH-60A BLACK HAWK
The BLACK HAWK, known during its development phase as the Utility Tactical Transport Aviation System (UTTAS), is designed to replace the UH-1 (HUEY) in selected assault helicopter, air cavalry and aeromedical evacuation units. With a crew of three it can airlift a fully-equipped Army infantry squad of 11 troops into combat, resupply these troops while they are in combat, perform aeromedical evacuation, reposition reserves and conduct other combat support missions. BLACK HAWK incorporates the most current technology into a reliable, high performance, easily maintained system. The approved program is for 1,107 aircraft. Production was initially funded in FY 1977. FY 1979 funding at $378 million for 129 aircraft is requested; the FY 1980 budget level calls for 168 aircraft at $426 million, with both figures including spare helicopters.
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(d) Cannon Artillery
The FY 1979 and FY 1980 programs stress procurement of dual-capable 155mm howitzers. (Dual-capable artillery has the ability to fire nuclear or conventional ordnance.) The M109A2 155mm self-propelled howitzer is the mainstay of U.S. artillery and will continue to be so for many years. The Army will increase the density of these weapons for our forces in Europe over the five-year program through conversion of un-armored 175mm self-propelled battalions. The M109 howitzer has the mobility and protection needed to support armored forces, while also offering excellent firepower and a variety of modern munitions.
While depending for the near-term on the M109, the Army is also considering longer-term requirements. An option being seriously considered is a prototype SP-70 howitzer, a joint development of the United Kingdom, Federal Republic of Germany, and Italy. We plan to procure one or more prototypes for testing whenever they become available. The Army also has an active R&D program to develop technologies for a new U.S. armored, self-propelled howitzer. In FY 1979 we request $65 million for 136 M109A2 howitzers. In FY 1980 we plan on $48 million for 91 weapons.
The Army has completed development of the Ml98 dual-capable towed 155mm howitzer. This weapon was developed to replace the Ml14 towed howitzer. The range of the Ml98 is fifty percent greater than the Ml14, and tests have proved it to be significantly more reliable. Battalions using this weapon primarily support our light (infantry and airborne) forces. Last year the Congress denied our request to begin full-rate production of the Ml98 because some development goals (primarily tube wear) had not been met. We have found the tube wear problem controllable, and this weapon is now ready for procurement. The FY 1979 Army request is $32 million for 107 weapons, and the FY 1980 program is for 208 weapons at $60 million. The Marine Corps request is for 60 weapons at $19 million in FY 1979 and 32 weapons at $11 million in FY 1980. Any further delays in beginning production will increase program costs.
The Army has decided not to procure the XM-204 105mm towed howitzer in FY 1979. Studies have indicated there is very little growth potential in the 105mm towed howitzer configuration, particularly in terms of modern ammunition. The Army is currently studying options for eventual replacement of the 105mm howitzer with one of larger caliber.
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(f) COPPERHEAD
The COPPERHEAD 155mm guided projectile is continuing in Engineering Development. Low-rate initial production is to commence in FY 1979 with a request of $56 million for 3,000 rounds. During the last year the Army and Navy guided projectile programs were combined into a joint program with the Army exercising overall executive direction, in order to maximize commonality in both development and production.
The Ground Laser Locator Designator (GLLD) will be the primary precision designator for COPPERHEAD, the USMC MULE, and initially for the Navy's guided projectiles. The FY 1979 request is for 130 systems costing $27 million.
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