USMC Concepts & Programs 2013 - Defense Innovation Marketplace

chapter 3: programs
EXPEDITIONARY FIRE SUPPORT
SYSTEM (EFSS)
EFSS-supported units are particularly well suited for
missions requiring speed, tactical agility, and vertical
transportability. The EFSS design and configuration
ensure that its tactical mobility, in the air and on the
ground, is equal to that of the force supported.
Description
The EFSS is the third and final system of the
land-based fire-support triad that also includes the
Lightweight 155mm Howitzer and the High-Mobility
Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Accompanying
Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) in all
types of expeditionary operations, EFSS is the primary
indirect fire-support system for the vertical assault
element of the ship-to-objective maneuver force. As
such, the EFSS mortar section — the M327 120mm
Rifled Towed Mortar, the Prime Mover Weapon, the
Prime Mover Trailer, and Ammunition Trailer with a
basic load of ammunition — and its crew are internally
transportable by two CH-53 helicopters or two MV-
22B tilt-rotor aircraft, and possess the greatest possible
range and flexibility of employment for operational
maneuver from the sea.
Operational Impact
The EFSS expands the maneuver commander’s
spectrum of fire-support options and capabilities
to successfully engage a spectrum of point and area
targets, including motorized, light armored, and dismounted
personnel; command and control systems;
and indirect-fire systems. The EFSS affords the MAGTF
commander increased flexibility in tailoring his firesupport
systems to support the scheme of maneuver.
Program Status
The EFSS Program is in production and deployment.
Full rate production was approved in June
2008 and Initial Operational Capability was achieved
in March 2009, when one artillery regiment received
six EFSS. The EFSS Approved Acquisition Objective
(AAO) has been procured and will complete delivery
and fielding during 2013.
Procurement Profile: FY 13 FY 14
Quantity: 0 0
Developer/Manufacturer:
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems,
St. Petersburg, FL
TARGET LOCATION, DESIGNATION,
AND HAND-OFF SYSTEM (TLDHS)
Description
A joint fires/combined-arms tool, the TLDHS is a
modular, man-portable equipment suite that provides
the capability to quickly and accurately acquire targets
in day, night, and near-all weather visibility conditions.
It is the first system within the Department of Defense
approved for fielding that allows observers to control
Close Air Support (CAS) as well as artillery and naval
fire-support missions on a single system using digital
communications.
Operational Impact
TLDHS enables operators to conduct target acquisition
and target hand-off to fire support agencies using
existing and planned communications equipment
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