M1203 NLOS-C: Future Combat Systems’ Howitzer
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The USA’s $160+ billion Future Combat Systems faced a mild restructuring in February 2007, and in July 2007, work began on Phase 1 spinouts to the active force. In order to speed replacement of the M109 mobile howitzers, some members of Congress had been pushing to speed up fielding of the M1203 NLOS-C 155mm mobile howitzer as a replacement for the USA’s aging M109s, even if this meant breaking Future Combat Systems’ unitary acquisition model by making NLOS-C a separate program. That didn’t happen, thanks in part to FCS critic Senator McCain’s [R-AZ] interesting intervention, but the message was clear.
Unfortunately, even NLOS-C will break the C-130’s 20-ton cargo weight limit by a considerable margin (estimate: 27 tons, which works well in an Airbus A400M but not the C-130J Hercules). As such, FCS’ armored vehicle core is unlikely to ever deliver its most important touted benefit: deployability. On the other hand, NLOS-C does offer new and fully modern mobile howitzers, an aim that has clear Congressional support. As such, the FCS program is making the NLOS-C the lead example for FCS’ tracked Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) family.
This will be DID’s Spotlight article covering the NLOS-C sub-program, from its core platform and fit within Future Combat Systems, to its program and contracts, to additional research materials. The latest developments include the first firing of the NLOS-C while mounted on the MGV chassis…
- The XM1203 NLOS-C
- NLOS-C: The Program [new]
- NLOS-C: Contracts & Key Events [updated]
- Additional Readings & Sources
Gain immediate access to DII coverage of developments with the Future Combat Systems NLOS-C mobile howitzer, when you subscribe to Defense Industry Insider. Our coverage includes:
- Description of the M1203 NLOS-C 155mm mobile howitzer, its weight, crew capacity, cannon, and modernized ammunition features
- Discussion of new technologies including hybrid-electric drive system, 30-second reload, capacity for GPS-guided shells, and the Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles
- Tracking of contracts to SAIC, Boeing, General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE and others
- Timeline of developments since 2003
- Links to more articles from DII including: "Have Guns, Will Upgrade: The M109A6 Paladin PIM Partnership," "FCS Phase 1 Spinouts Prepare for Production," and "USA's $160+ Billion Future Combat Systems Restructured"
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