BAE Systems presents Future Technology Demonstrator with laser weapon at AUSA 2014 1810143

The Future Technology Demonstrator is based on an electric-drive power train and chassis for the GCV (Ground Combat Vehicle) program. The GCV program is the US Army's replacement program for armored fighting vehicles in Armored and Stryker brigade combat teams.

The FTD is fitted with a remotely controlled turret armed with a Mk 38 TLS (Tactical Laser System) which is based on the U.S. Navy gun system Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System (MGS). The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS incorporates the service proven Toplite electro-optical fire control system to optimize effective engagement of enemy targets in all weather conditions, day or night.

The Mk 38 TLS concept is a proposed high energy laser addition to the Mk 38 naval gun systems that are currently deployed on most surface combatants. The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS main weapon is the proven M242 25mm NATO standard auto cannon with 2.5-km range and selectable rates of fire.

The results of field testing demonstrated a capability to identify and classify hostile targets and provide rapid hand-off to the Mobile Active Targeting Resource for Integrated Experiments (MATRIX) system for interdiction. The test system configuration fired against air and surface maritime targets, demonstrating a range of target effects.

One of the key element of the electric-drive system, it is an electric connection between the engine and the transmission, there is no mechanical pieces between the front and the back end which allows a configuration for crew accommodation and survivability.

The electric drive system provides also the power requirements for the Tactical Laser System.

With the Future Technology Demonstrator, BAE Systems showed off a combination of mature technologies from throughout the company’s portfolio that can be integrated on an armored vehicle to the now-canceled GCV program of the U.S. Army.