NLOS prototype on track

The Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Cannon Firing Platform first unveiled back in 2006 is now approaching its final stages of assembly ahead of the delivery of the first prototype to the US Army in June.

Designed and built by BAE Systems – in partnership with General Dynamics, Land Systems and the Future Combat Systems Lead System Integrator team of Boeing and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) – the NLOS Cannon is a fully automated, 38-caliber, self-propelled howitzer. As shown in these new images, BAE Systems has now fired nearly 2,000 rounds using a test platform at Yuma to prove the Cannon’s howitzer and automated ammunition handling, loading and firing systems (note that the firing platform shown is not the prototype due in June).

The NLOS canon is one of eight Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) being developed for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) Program and will provide networked, extended-range targeting and precision attack support while offering significant flexibility to change effects round-by-round and mission-by-mission. The agility of the platform will be further enhanced by its ability to move rapidly, and stop quickly. It will also have a Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability.

All Manned Ground Vehicles under development for the FCS program will maximize the use of common chassis, parts and sub-systems. Like the NLOS Canon, they will also share the ability to rapidly rearm, refuel and deploy quickly.