To ensure the U.S. Army maintains its superiority and dominance against future adversaries, in 2002, Congress mandated that a self-propelled non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C) be developed for the Army by 2008.
What is the NLOS-C Concept Technology Demonstrator?
The Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) Concept Technology Demonstrator (CTD) is a 24-ton, 155mm, self-propelled cannon system developed by BAE Systems. It was used as a proof-of-principle test-bed to demonstrate, for the U.S. Army, the practicality of building a fully automated, 20-ton, high-caliber, self-propelled cannon system. It also served as a platform for demonstration of key mobility technologies applicable to the entire family of Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) and other components of the Future Combat System (FCS).
Why did BAE Systems build a CTD?
In August 2002, following the termination of Crusader, a fully automated 40-ton, 155mm self-propelled howitzer, Congress mandated that a self-propelled NLOS-C be developed by 2008 to ensure the U.S. Army maintains its ability to win on the future battlefield. As the first part of that mandate, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to transfer Crusader technology to the NLOS-C and demonstrate the feasibility of a new weapon system by September 30, 2003.
How long did it take to build the CTD?
By leveraging the technology and experience that came from Crusader, together with advanced virtual engineering and simulation capabilities, BAE Systems engineers built a fully operational CTD in 6 months-ahead of schedule and on budget.
How much did it cost to build the CTD?
In 2002, Congressional authorization and appropriation was $368.5M in FY 03 in addition to $32M, which was reprogrammed from Crusader in FY 02. The total contract with BAE Systems for the NLOS-C CTD was for $331M. Within that total contract authorization, BAE Systems (then United Defense) designed and built the CTD. The company also conducted numerous technology trade studies in support of the NLOS-C objective design to support the FCS Lead Systems Integrator in their progress toward the FCS Systems Requirements Review. Additionally, BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems are conducting similar trade studies and requirements development for the MGV common elements as well as initial work on the other seven MGV variants.
Where was the CTD built?
The CTD was designed and integrated at BAE Systems' Armament Systems Division in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Where did the CTD undergo testing?
The CTD completed testing in Yuma Proving Ground near Yuma, Arizona in February 2006 having fired more than 2000 rounds.
CTD vs. NLOS-C Best Technical Approach
The CTD was the first look at what Army platforms of the future could look like; it is not a prototype for the NLOS-C that is part of FCS. The CTD was a proof-of-principle test-bed that provided direction to the Army and its industry partners as they design and integrate a best technical approach for the Army's future NLOS-C, which is scheduled to be fielded by 2008. Many of the technologies developed for use with the CTD have been transferred to the objective NLOS-C prototypes.
