The BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman team submitted a proposal for a U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) that emphasises affordability, performance and future scalability.

"Our proposal delivers an affordable, high-performing infantry fighting vehicle built from the ground up that satisfies the needs of our soldiers today and has room for technological growth in the years ahead," said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Ground Combat Vehicle at BAE Systems.

The BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman GCV offering will be the first combat vehicle designed from the ground-up to meet the current IED-threat environment. The team offering brings more affordability, survivability, mobility and versatility to the Army and is scalable to the level of protection required for a variety of operations.

The team's hybrid electric drive propulsion system builds on decades of industry development, production and support in a wide range of applications. It allows the BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman GCV to offer exceptional force protection and mobility in a lower weight vehicle while provisioning for growth in power requirements as new technologies are matured and integrated into the platform.

Hybrid electric drive enables GCV to meet the demands of current operations while providing a robust platform for future technology integration and growth at low risk and cost.

"Northrop Grumman is proud to be a part of the BAE Systems GCV team. Together, we have designed an infantry fighting vehicle that will meet or exceed the stringent GCV requirements," said Joe G. Taylor, Jr., Northrop Grumman Information Systems' vice president for Ground Combat Systems.

The BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman Ground Combat Vehicle team includes: QinetiQ North America, iRobot Corporation, MTU and Saft. As the prime contractor, BAE Systems will lead the overall program management, systems integration, vehicle design, structure and logistical support as well as readiness and sustainment of the platform.

Northrop Grumman will serve as the C4ISR lead. QinetiQ North America will provide the electric drive propulsion system or E-X-Drive for Ground Combat Vehicle. The E-X-Drive is the key component of the hybrid electric drive system.

iRobot will serve as the unmanned ground vehicle integrator and enhance the capability to detect pedestrians and obstacles of interest. MTU will provide the engine and power generation for GCV and Saft will provide the battery and energy storage system.

The GCV program is a development effort headed by the U.S. Army to develop the first combat vehicle designed from the ground up to operate in an IED-threat environment.