If the American army is one of the most technologically advanced, it is because it multiplies the enormous investments in this direction. However, it sometimes happens that failures take place. This was the case for the Future Fight Systems (FCS) which cost the trifle of $ 32 billion for a result equivalent to that of a white copy rendered on the bac.
An exceptional project that will be called Future Fight Systems (FCS) that can easily be translated into a “Fighting System of the Future” and which will be officially launched in 1999.
For the replacement for the M1 Abrams, the objective of the program Future Fight Systems is to develop the XM1202, a combat tank which was to integrate a last generation armament, which could be controlled in a reduced crew situation and which could reach a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
On the side of armored land vehicles, the program Future Fight Systems mainly focused on the development of a particular chassis which could be equipped on several vehicles to ensure versatility.
In short, the FCS was a military program all that is most normal that requested financial and technological investment to develop a sophisticated armament capable of responding to evolutionary problems on the ground.
Billions of dollars … for nothing
But you will understand when reading the title, the Future Fight Systems If he was ambitious and was part of a dynamic of modernization of the American army has given absolutely nothing.
Indeed, the military program has experienced many obstacles, first technological and technical with many delays and returns on decisions already taken. Like those relating to the weight of the chassis to be developed which has won tons as the project advanced, going from an initial weight of 19 tonnes to 25 tonnes at the end of the project.
And then there were particularly important financial obstacles. Indeed, a year before the official end of the project in 2009, the whole world was plunged into a financial crisis because of subprime notably. Thus, investments only increased, and the results were not there. In total, the Future Fight Systems will have cost $ 32 billion in the US military, including $ 18 billion only devoted to a combat tank that will never see the light of day.
Source: Armies.com / Rand.org
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
