ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has delivered the first prototype of its XM30 “Wolf” Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV) to the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
The delivery marks a major step in the Army’s program to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which has served for more than 40 years.
XM30 Wolf
The XM30 is being developed as an optionally manned tracked combat vehicle with a reduced two-person crew and space for six fully equipped infantry soldiers.
The vehicle is planned to feature a 50mm automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, active protection systems, advanced sensors for 360-degree situational awareness and hybrid-electric propulsion.
GDLS is also developing the Wolf with a Modular Open Systems Architecture and a born-digital design intended to support software updates and the integration of new technologies.
Competition With Rheinmetall
The XM30 program is a head-to-head competition between GDLS and American Rheinmetall Vehicles. Under contracts awarded in 2023, each company is required to build between seven and 11 prototypes. The combined value of the contracts was approximately $1.6 billion.
GDLS calls its vehicle the Wolf, while American Rheinmetall Vehicles is offering a design based on the Lynx.
Prototype Testing
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, now working with GDLS, announced the prototype delivery. Norman spent 30 years in the Army as a tanker and cavalryman. He previously served with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team at Detroit Arsenal, where he helped develop requirements for the XM30 and M1E3 Abrams upgrade before joining GDLS.
Norman said additional Wolf prototypes will be completed and delivered to the Army. He also credited GDLS teams working at facilities in Sterling Heights and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Tallahassee, Florida; and London, Ontario.
Following initial checks at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the prototypes will be sent to Fort Hood, Texas, where soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, known as the “Ironhorse Brigade,” will conduct operational evaluations. The vehicles could also be evaluated during a National Training Center rotation.
Army Selection Planned for 2027
The Army plans to select a single winning design by the end of 2027 for Phase 5 low-rate initial production.
The selected manufacturer is planned to produce up to 19 complete vehicles, including hulls and turrets, for production qualification and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.
If the program remains on schedule, the first production XM30 vehicles are expected to be delivered to the first Army unit transitioning to the new vehicle in fiscal year 2029.
Meanwhile, GDLS and American Rheinmetall Vehicles will continue delivering their remaining prototypes to support Army testing and soldier evaluations.
——— End of Article ———
