Army exploring upgrades for nuclear biological chemical reconnaissance vehicle

The Army is seeking upgrades for its Stryker vehicle variant that can detect nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, according to a public announcement.

Issued as a request for information, the Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense is “exploring options” to improve the sensors and situational awareness capabilities on the Stryker M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Reconnaissance Vehicle.

“The Contractor is responsible for the design and fabrication of integration hardware and software for a system integration solution of a Modular Mission Payload (MMP) and a Sensor Data Processing Unit (SDPU) that meets the NBCRV SSU Performance Specification,” the announcement reads.

Proposed capabilities include chemical, radiological and aerosol detectors as well as unmanned aerial systems with payloads that can detect biological, nuclear and chemical vapors.

The sensor systems will also need to meet Command, Control, Computers, Cyber Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Modular Open Suite of Standards and Integrated Software Architecture standards.

Part of the Army’s Stryker vehicle family, the M1135 serves as the Army’s vehicle to detect and warn of nuclear, biological and chemical threats.

Additionally, the proposed capabilities should be operable with a two-person crew, the driver and commander.

Contractors are expected to deliver six systems to be fitted onto six M1135 Stryker vehicles.

In early November, the Army issued an RFI for a hybrid-electric Stryker vehicle.

Ahead of last month’s AUSA annual conference, General Dynamics Land Systems, the original manufacturer of the Stryker, unveiled the StrykerQB, a technology demonstrator that features numerous protection and situational awareness systems, such as an active protection system and see-through armor.