Read on Twitter
So, first (for me) program-level look at the 2020 DOT&E report - the Joint Assault Bridge.
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/army/2020jab.pdf?ver=rooWdK7SMFO8RDe1G9VviQ%3d%3d
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/army/2020jab.pdf?ver=rooWdK7SMFO8RDe1G9VviQ%3d%3d
The JAB replaces the M48/M60 & M1074 Wolverine assault bridges.
The JAB is the likely part of the equipment solution for the ADF’s Land 8160 breaching & bridging project.
The Australian Army lost its armoured bridge laying capability with the retirement of the Leopard AS1 FoV.
The Australian Army lost its armoured bridge laying capability with the retirement of the Leopard AS1 FoV.
Side note: one of the highlights of DOT&E is a reasonably frank discussion of performance shortcomings of equipment under test. It’s not uncommon for those with an agenda to fashion that transparency into a crude weapon to bash US equipment. Sigh.
So, some of the basics:
“The JAB is an Acquisition Category II program with an acquisition objective of 297 systems.”
Good to know the potential size of fleet you may be joining, all to a common engineering baseline.
“The JAB is an Acquisition Category II program with an acquisition objective of 297 systems.”
Good to know the potential size of fleet you may be joining, all to a common engineering baseline.
There’s an insight into the location, type, & numbers of tests, including cyber security, live fire, & mission.
“first JAB IOT&E at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 2 – 29, 2019, 2nd BDE, 1st AD. Test event included combined-arms, in-stride breaching ops & a cybersecurity assessment.”
“first JAB IOT&E at Fort Bliss, Texas, April 2 – 29, 2019, 2nd BDE, 1st AD. Test event included combined-arms, in-stride breaching ops & a cybersecurity assessment.”
COVID continues to affect schedules.
“The Army planned to execute a second JAB IOT&E at Fort Riley, Kansas, in June 2020. The test was rescheduled to
November 13 – 23, 2020, due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic restrictions.”
“The Army planned to execute a second JAB IOT&E at Fort Riley, Kansas, in June 2020. The test was rescheduled to
November 13 – 23, 2020, due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic restrictions.”
Second side note - I generally edit quotes to fit the character limit, but try to avoid changes to context.
Live Fire T&E isn’t public domain, but it is mandated. Product designs are updated to address shortcomings identified in the initial round of live fire tests.
“In 2QFY20, follow-on live fire testing to confirm that the design changes to the Automatic Fire Extinguishing System..”
“In 2QFY20, follow-on live fire testing to confirm that the design changes to the Automatic Fire Extinguishing System..”
“... and armor integration mitigated the vulnerabilities identified during the JAB LFT&E completed in 2018.”
As mentioned, DOT&E reports are a snapshot, and also include recommendations to progress to the next stage.
As mentioned, DOT&E reports are a snapshot, and also include recommendations to progress to the next stage.
“The Program Office continues to work on improving the bridge launching mechanism and hydraulic power unit designs to mitigate additional vulnerabilities identified during the 2018 JAB LFT&E. These changes will be incorporated and validated through testing in FY21.”
So, JAB develops apace. Shortcomings that weren’t apparent prior to the first round of live fire testing are now being addressed & will be validated during the second round of live fire T&E.
As well as technical product development, TTP are being hashed out & validated by soldiers during developments.
Also, reliability & availability are assessed independently of the program office. Mitigates “program office optimism (POO)” - a silent killer in project land, when projects become an end unto themselves & project staff start to drink their own bath water.
Ends with a recommendation:
“The Army should continue to correct vulnerabilities identified in JAB live fire testing to increase the ability of the unit equipped with JAB to continue to conduct its mission after a combat engagement.”
And that’s the JAB from DOT&E’s perspective.
“The Army should continue to correct vulnerabilities identified in JAB live fire testing to increase the ability of the unit equipped with JAB to continue to conduct its mission after a combat engagement.”
And that’s the JAB from DOT&E’s perspective.
