One of those is how to manage a vehicle that breaks down or ends up stuck in a ditch. Norman told Defense News the Army is now working to answer some operational questions that come along with a new capability. The company is improving sealing around the hatches and made improvements to armor coverage, GDLS’ Vernagus added. GD has already come up with a design fix for that that we have to validate,” Dean said. “The hydraulic systems were getting hot we think it’s an air flow problem. The Army is working with GDLS to address overheating problems experienced by vehicles tested at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The low-rate initial production design will also include stowage upgrades, he added. This included using quick-release pins instead of bolts for the skirts on the vehicles so maintainers can more easily access the suspension and track to service the vehicle. Much of that feedback was related to maintainability, Dean said.

“They’re enthusiastic about the capability and anxious to get it as quickly as possible.”

Geoffrey Norman, the head of the Army’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team. “The feedback from soldiers was very positive, and none of the work that needs to be done is related to any elements or aspects of soldier acceptance,” said Brig.

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