XM-30: US Army's biggest combat overhaul in a century is finally rolling
The US Army is moving forward with the development of the XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle.
This ambitious project aims to create an advanced platform that will significantly enhance operational capabilities on the battlefield.
This development comes after two aborted programs that sought to replace the aging M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which has been in service since 1981.
Previously referred to as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), the XM-30 is currently in its detailed design phase, expecting to reach Milestone B by the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The XM-30 is positioned as a next-generation military platform capable of operating with either a full crew or autonomously, depending on mission requirements.
Designed to engage in close combat while delivering decisive lethality, the XM-30 will feature a modular open system architecture.
This design will allow quicker updates and adaptations as technologies evolve, positioning the Army to maintain a strategic edge over adversaries.
According to a recent report by the Congressional Research Service, the XM-30 is being developed as the Army's first ground combat vehicle, leveraging advanced digital engineering tools and techniques.
This innovation aims to ensure that the Army can rapidly respond to the evolving nature of modern warfare and threats.
The XM-30 project faces a challenging history of canceled programs to replace the M2 Bradley.
Two significant initiatives—the Future Combat System (FCS) and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV)—were shelved due to budget overruns and program management issues.
The Bradley has undergone numerous updates since its introduction. Still, it has reached its technological limits, making the need for a new platform more urgent than ever.
The M2 Bradley was designed to transport infantry, provide fire support, and engage enemy vehicles on the battlefield.
However, evolving warfare demands have highlighted the need for a more modern solution.
The Army is committed to addressing these challenges with the XM-30, emphasizing that this new vehicle will ensure troops are better equipped to engage with near-peer adversaries.
The XM-30 project is classified as a Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping (MTA-RP) program, reflecting the Army's shift towards more agile and responsive procurement methodologies.
Designed to adopt a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), the XM-30 aims to facilitate rapid upgrades and integrations as technology and operational needs evolve.
This open standard approach encourages innovation and enhances competition among contractors, potentially leading to better solutions at lower costs.
The Army has developed a five-phase acquisition strategy to streamline the process of bringing new capabilities to the field.
The first phase focuses on Market Research and Requirement Development. This phase is critical for understanding the needs and expectations of the end users and ensuring that the resulting products are aligned with operational requirements.
Following this, the strategy moves into the Concept Design Phase. During this phase, modeling, simulation, and analysis refine the initial requirements. This helps to explore various design alternatives and assess their feasibility, setting the foundation for a robust project.
The third phase, the Detailed Design Phase, culminates in a Critical Design Review (CDR). This review is an important milestone that evaluates the detailed designs against the established requirements, ensuring that all necessary specifications are met before moving forward.
Next, the process enters the Prototype Build and Test Phase. In this phase, prototypes are constructed, and their performance is rigorously assessed through a Limited User Test (LUT). This testing phase is essential for identifying potential issues and validating the design before production.
Finally, the strategy concludes with the Production and Fielding Phase. This phase results in a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract, enabling the transition from prototype to production while ensuring that the capabilities developed meet the necessary field deployment standards.
On July 23, 2021, the Army awarded five firm-fixed-price contracts for the XM-30's Concept Design Phase to contractors, including industry leaders like BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, totaling approximately $299.4 million.
Currently, the XM-30 is in its detailed design phase as it progresses toward Milestone B.
However, there are pressing concerns that could impact the program's timeline.
The necessity for robust testing and evaluation, coupled with the inherent complexities of integrating advanced technologies, presents significant hurdles.
Moreover, the Pentagon is under increasing scrutiny regarding budget constraints and program management after previous setbacks in defense modernization efforts.
As the Army moves forward with the XM-30, it faces the dual challenge of fulfilling operational requirements while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Stakeholders are monitoring the progress closely, as this new vehicle represents a replacement for the M2 Bradley and a pivotal development in the Army's future combat readiness.
The successful realization of the XM-30 could redefine the US Army's ground combat capabilities in the face of contemporary threats and rival forces.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
12 hours ago
- CNN
Tanks arrive in DC ahead of US Army parade
Tanks arrive in DC ahead of US Army parade As the 250th anniversary celebration for the US Army approaches, a freight train of tanks was seen making its way into the nation's capital. The long-planned celebration in Washington will coincide with Trump's 79th birthday and include thousands of troops. The Army had said it has no plans to recognize the president's birthday. 00:40 - Source: CNN Why China doesn't need the US auto market If there is one thing to be learned from Auto Shanghai - China's largest automobile show - it's that China has dozens of car brands that can rival Western ones. BYD surpassed Tesla's profits, but other EVs like those made by Zeekr, Xiaomi and Chery are quickly joining the race. CNN's Marc Stewart took a rare test drive of Zeekr's new 7GT. 00:44 - Source: CNN Analysis: Trump is in a crisis of his own making Trump tells President Vladimir Putin to stop after Russia launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Kyiv in nine months. This comes days after Trump said the US would walk out on efforts to make a peace deal in Ukraine if it didn't see progress. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh breaks down the latest. 01:03 - Source: CNN Russia launches strikes across Ukraine Russia launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles at multiple targets across a broad swath of Ukraine overnight killing at least four people in the capital Kyiv and wounding around 40 across the country. 00:32 - Source: CNN German leader on 'terrible' impact of Trump's tariffs In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz talks about the impact President Trump's tariffs are having on the auto industry. 01:13 - Source: CNN Greta Thunberg sails to Gaza Greta Thunberg has set sail with eleven other activists to Gaza. The activist group they're part of, The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is attempting to bring aid and raise international awareness over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the territory. 00:59 - Source: CNN Record rain floods Mexico City, traps people Mexico City was hit with record rainfall that didn't relent for more than five hours Monday night, marking the heaviest rain since 2017, according to water management officials. CNN's Valeria León walks a flooded avenue of the nation's capital after emergency crews worked through the night to rescue several trapped drivers. 00:43 - Source: CNN Gaza aid distribution turns deadly for third consecutive day For a third consecutive day, Palestinians came under fire while trying to receive aid from a distribution site in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Nasser hospital, at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured on June 3. 00:56 - Source: CNN Analysis: Why Ukraine's drone attack on Russia just changed the world CNN's Jim Sciutto explains why Ukraine's large-scale drone attack on Russian air bases thousands of miles behind the front lines struck fear into the heart of every global superpower 01:05 - Source: CNN Tomatoes fly at Colombia's largest food fight Around 20,000 revellers gathered in Sutamarchán, Colombia, to throw over 45 tonnes of tomatoes at each other. The Gran Tomatina festival, now in its 15th year, is hosted to celebrate the economy of Sutamarchán, which is centred around tomato production. Mayor Miguel Andrés Rodríguez said "between 70 and 80 percent of families [in Sutamarchán] live off tomatoes. This is a tribute to them." The festival uses tomatoes which are overripe, or otherwise not suitable for consumption. 00:30 - Source: CNN Palestinians shot dead near Gaza aid hub The Palestinian health ministry, hospital officials and multiple eyewitnesses say deadly gunfire killed dozens of Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Gaza on Sunday, with Israel's military denying that its troops fired 'within or near' the aid site. CNN Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond brings you up to speed on what we know about the weekend chaos. 02:31 - Source: CNN Palestinians describe deadly shooting near aid center in Gaza CNN spoke to multiple witnesses who recounted the deadly chaos that unfolded near a US-backed aid center in southern Gaza after more than 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The health ministry blamed the Israeli military for the deaths while other witnesses claimed that local security personnel had also opened fire. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the aid center, said there had been no gunfire at the site and Israel Defense Forces denied firing on civilians at or close to the site, calling such accusations 'false reports.' 00:55 - Source: CNN Palestinian UN envoy breaks down talking about Gaza's children The Palestinian ambassador to the UN made an emotional address, saying more than 1,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel ended the ceasefire in March. 01:19 - Source: CNN Political candidate wears body armor daily CNN's David Culver met César Gutiérrez Priego as he was readying to campaign for office in Mexico City. Gutiérrez Priego, who is running for a seat on the Supreme Court in Mexico, shows Culver the safety precautions he takes with political violence in Mexico at an all-time high. See Culver's full reporting on CNN. 00:53 - Source: CNN Harvard students and faculty speak out against Trump Harvard students and faculty spoke to CNN ahead of commencement as Donald Trump said the university should cap foreign enrollment. The Trump administration has recently sought to cancel $100 million in contracts with the school. 02:03 - Source: CNN Palestinians desperate for food rush US-backed aid site Scores of people rushed over fencing and through barricades in southern Gaza on the first day a US-Israeli-backed aid site was opened. CNN's Jeremy Diamond explains the desperate humanitarian situation that remains in the region. 01:22 - Source: CNN Journalists spit on at Jerusalem Day flag march Ultra-nationalist Israeli Jews chanted anti-Arab slogans as they marched through Jerusalem's Old City to mark Jerusalem Day. CNN's Oren Liebermann describes heavy police presence on the ground. Members of the crowd were seen spitting on journalists, including a CNN producer. 01:50 - Source: CNN Finland's president responds to Russian military activity along border CNN's Erin Burnett speaks with Finland's President Alexander Stubb about his country ramping up its military to deter potential Russian aggression. 02:16 - Source: CNN King Charles stresses Canada's 'self determination' amid pressure from US King Charles III delivered the ceremonial Speech from the Throne in the Canadian Senate. The address marks only the second time in Canadian history that the reigning sovereign has opened parliament, and the third time that the British monarch has delivered the address. 00:42 - Source: CNN Huge ship refloated after nearly crashing into house A larger container ship has been refloated after nearly crashing into a house in Norway. According to local police, the navigator had fallen asleep at the helm. 00:42 - Source: CNN Vehicle plows into crowd in Liverpool Police in the United Kingdom say a man has been arrested after a car plowed into Liverpool fans celebrating during the soccer club's Premier League trophy parade. 01:14 - Source: CNN
Business Insider
16 hours ago
- Business Insider
Real estate investors say mid-term rentals are the 'sweet spot,' offering a way around Airbnb red tape and more cash flow than long-term rentals
When the COVID pandemic erased virtually all of Zeona McIntyre's Airbnb bookings, she found a solution in mid-term rentals. "I was really open to doing whatever I needed to get my properties rented," the Colorado-based property investor told Business Insider. She started listing her properties on Furnished Finder, which is geared toward traveling professionals and specializes in 30-day plus stays, and was surprised by the hit rate and relative ease of the process. "I realized there are tons of people looking all the time for longer stays — and longer stays are kind of awesome because people don't need as much from you. They're OK to go buy their own toilet paper and change the batteries because they're living there." What started as an attempt to combat Airbnb vacancies evolved into her preferred rental strategy. "My bread-and-butter is these mid-term rentals," said McIntyre, who is the author of " 30-Day Stay." "I want a longer tenant in there, and I don't want to have to think about it for three months." Massachusetts-based investor Dana Bull also pivoted to mid-term rentals, but for a different reason: to withstand rising interest rates. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate surged to 8% in 2023 and lingered in the 6s and 7s in 2024. Higher interest rates mean higher monthly payments, which can eat into an investor's cash flow. Bull has been renting to long-term tenants for more than a decade, but to make the numbers work on her most recent acquisition, a charming single-family home she found in 2023 and couldn't pass up, she turned to mid-term rentals, which she says are more time-intensive, but also more profitable. The 'sweet spot' of rentals Real estate investors tend to agree that, while long-term rentals can produce consistent, relatively passive income, these leases generate less revenue a month compared to short-term rentals. However, short-term rental properties present unique challenges, such as constant tenant turnover, managing multiple bookings, and ever-evolving country-specific rules and regulations. Then, there are mid-term rentals — or, the "sweet spot" of real-estate investing, according to McIntyre — which are properties listed for longer than 30 days but less than a year. In her experience, they're "a whole different vibe from short-term rentals and way less stressful." One major stressor she faced in hosting on Airbnb and VRBO was the evolving rules around permits and licenses. "Short-term rentals have been under scrutiny, and the ever-tightening regulations are constantly changing," she said. "But there is sort of this magic number that, as soon as a listing is over 30 days, these rentals get classified into a long-term rental bucket and then you don't have the extra taxes or have to have a short-term rental permit." That was a contributing factor in Manny Reyna's decision to incorporate mid-term rentals into his overall strategy. "Within San Antonio, you need an STR permit through the city," said Reyna, who rents two single-family homes and two tiny homes in the San Antonio metro. "The permit is $450 just to apply, and you have to pay county taxes and city taxes on the revenue. It's called a hotel tax, and it's really high." However, if you're listing a 30-day stay, "you don't necessarily have to worry about the STR taxes," said Reyna. "It's a little bit of a loophole, if you will. It's also a good middle ground, because the cash flow is higher than long-term rentals." That said, hosting mid-term stays will require upfront work. You're catering to a completely different customer, and leasing can be a challenge because mid-term rentals are less mainstream, explained Bull. "If you want a long-term rental, you know you're going to be on Zillow or work with a real-estate agent. If you want a short-term rental, you also have set channels: You have Airbnb, Vrbo." The equivalent for mid-term rentals is Furnished Finder, "but it's not very well known, and it's not nearly as big as something like Airbnb," she said. A hybrid approach While Reyna prefers mid-term tenants, he wants to cater to a broad customer base and still lists his properties on Airbnb, VRBO, Hipcamp, and Facebook Marketplace when there's a gap between mid-term tenants. "I try to do a shotgun approach to see who's going to bite first," he said. Seattle-based investor Peter Keane-Rivera also uses a hybrid model for his 70s-themed " Groovy Guest House," which he initially listed exclusively as a short-term vacation rental. He enjoys the work that goes into managing a short-term rental — "it does allow you to provide a unique service and really to have control over the quality of that service," he said — but offering 30-plus day stays will generate more consistent revenue during the slow season when people are traveling less. "In the summertime, it pulls in a lot — in June and July, I made almost $5,000 on a one-bedroom in the outskirts of Seattle," he said, referring to the Airbnb income. "But in the wintertime, there are lower margins. I'd rather get something closer to market rent rates, not have to worry about it for four to five months during the slowest seasons, and then spin it back up for spring, summer, and fall to maximize the return." Toggling between short- and mid-term rentals is "a real asset," he said, adding that if he expands to a second Airbnb unit, he'd use the same strategy. "For eight months out of the year, I'd run it as an Airbnb and then during the low season, run it as a mid-term rental."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Right to Repair? Army secretary pushes for access to tools, parts
(NewsNation) — The Right to Repair is gaining a ton of momentum across the country. Earlier this month, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll committed to including right-to-repair provisions in all existing and future contracts with manufacturers. Right to Repair is a legal right for owners of devices and equipment to freely modify and repair products such as automobiles, electronics, and farm equipment. Presently, the Army has committed to securing right-to-repair provisions in contracts. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is advocating for other military branches to adopt the requirement, addressing the long-standing repairability problems across the armed forces. Spyware suspected on iPhones of US, EU political figures: Report 'The Army's commitment to Right to Repair shows other industries that they can do the same,' she says. Last month in Washington, the Right to Repair became law after advocates had spent years trying to get it passed. In addition, a wheelchair bill in New York has also advanced, while a new bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania that covers consumer and business electronics. In 2025, 35 states — up from 30 last year — have considered Right to Repair legislation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
