According to a job listing published by national media, a senior managing engineer was being sought to coordinate the team that would also include Land Systems.

Lockheed was designated as the builder of the vehicle turret but neither of the companies involved in the project confirmed the intended team-up.

In fact, the job listing was removed soon after the Lockheed and GD press offices were asked about it, Defense News reported.

"The Army's ground combat vehicle effort is replacing the Future Combat Systems vehicle program," the report said. "The service ... intends to award up to three contracts for a 27-month technology development phase."

The bidding deadline is May 21 with the contract winner expected to be announced four months later.

The ground combat vehicle effort is part of an effort to modernize the Army's combat fleet by including mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles while upgrading those currently in use, particularly the Styker.

Military experts anticipate the first ground combat vehicle to be used in infantry fighting, providing what they call a "highly survivable platform" for transferring infantry squads in field operations.

"The ground combat vehicle is the first vehicle that will be designed from the ground up to operate in an improvised explosive device environment," said DefenseWorld.

Also vying for the bid is BAE Systems, which has teamed with Northrop Grumman. Other industry teams have yet to be announced.

"Boeing is determining the best way forward to provide value and a balanced (infantry fight vehicle) design to the Army as part of its Ground Combat Vehicle Modernization program," said a Boeing spokeswoman in an April 28 e-mail published by Defense News.

"We will leverage core competencies derived from a legacy of complex systems development programs and seven years of work in support of Army Modernization efforts to address complex ground vehicle requirements and deliver a superior vehicle solution that will increase troop safety, survivability, lethality and mission effectiveness."

The Army has yet to set specific designs requirements such as the weight of the vehicle, allowing competing companies to propose the best solution.

At least three contracts will be involved in the project. They include technology development, engineering and manufacturing design.

Once the primary contractors are selected, the U.S. Army could take up expect to take delivery of the vehicles within five to seven years, military experts forecast.

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