A Detailed Look at the Stryker Dragoon and MCWS 30mm Variants

Development and Operational Need for the Stryker Dragoon

The development of the Stryker Dragoon originated with an Operational Needs Statement (ONS) submitted by the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) in 2015. This statement identified a significant capability gap in the regiment's ability to engage targets at extended ranges and address a broader array of threats, particularly in the European theater. According to Major Minier, Assistant Program Manager for the Stryker program, this need was recognized during field operations and training, where 2CR found their existing equipment insufficient for emerging mission requirements in a potentially contested environment.

Major Minier explained that although the initial Stryker family of vehicles encompassed multiple variants designed for diverse roles, none were equipped with a medium-caliber weapon suited for the regiment's needs. Through assessments and analysis of various options, the decision was made to integrate a 30mm cannon to fill the capability gap. This marked the beginning of the focused effort on developing the Stryker Dragoon.

Importantly, the Dragoon began as a rapid solution rather than a fully fleshed-out program of record. In order to accelerate the process, soldiers were actively involved in guiding the design decisions from the outset. Major Minier highlighted how soldier feedback influenced various aspects of the vehicle's design, including the placement of hatches, the layout of the gunner’s seat, and other functional considerations. This collaborative approach ensured that the final design aligned with operational realities and user requirements.

Integration and Design of the Unmanned Turret

The Stryker Dragoon project involved retrofitting the standard Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) chassis with a 30mm unmanned turret. Major Minier clarified that the hull was not newly built for the Dragoon; instead, existing ICVs already in service were used, eliminating the need for new vehicle production. The addition of the turret was described as a straightforward integration, a process compared to mounting a remote weapon station, which is also a typical upgrade on various combat vehicles.

General Dynamics designed the 30mm turret specifically to meet the Army’s operational requirements. A critical design consideration was the need to preserve the ICV’s primary function of carrying and deploying an infantry squad of nine soldiers. To achieve this, an unmanned turret configuration was selected. This design avoids the need for a turret basket, which traditionally occupies internal space that would otherwise be used for troop transport.

Though the addition of a 30mm turret introduced new complexities, such as increased weight and a higher center of gravity, engineering adjustments ensured that the Stryker’s overall performance and transportability were not adversely impacted. Major Minier pointed out that there were no significant issues related to power requirements, as the existing systems on the Stryker were adequate to support the new turret without the need for enhanced power generation.

Concerning soldier training, Major Minier noted that the transition to using an unmanned turret was relatively straightforward for the gunner and squad leader. While some members of the vehicle crew had to adapt to increased responsibilities, the basic operations for most soldiers aboard the Dragoon remained similar to those on the original ICV. This was an important factor in ensuring seamless adoption in the field.

Deployment and Usage of the Stryker Dragoon

The Stryker Dragoon was fielded exclusively to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, primarily due to the unit's specific operational environment and requirements in Europe. According to Major Minier, the 2CR operates in a particularly demanding theater, engaging extensively with NATO allies and preparing for high-intensity combat scenarios close to potential adversaries. Units stationed in the U.S. were not seen as facing the same immediate threats, which is why the program was narrowly targeted at 2CR.

As the Dragoon was not a formal program of record, it required special approval and funding from the Army to meet 2CR's urgent needs. The solution was to use existing Stryker vehicles and modify them with the new turret. The limited production run, solely for 2CR, allowed for faster deployment and real-world testing of the system. The focus was on gathering operational feedback to validate its performance and identify any potential shortcomings.

Maj. Minier noted that integrating the turret did involve compromises for the sake of speed. For example, the positioning of the turret resulted in adjustments to the squad leader and gunner hatches. While these changes were not ideal, they allowed for the preservation of the rear hatches, which soldiers prioritized to maintain visibility and situational awareness for the vehicle's rear guard.

Moran brought up the complementary role of the Dragoon’s 30mm gun alongside the Mobile Gun System (MGS), which featured a 105mm cannon for heavy firepower. The 30mm system was intended to fill the gap between the capabilities of lighter, truck-mounted systems and the firepower of the MGS, providing an effective solution for engaging a more diverse range of battlefield threats, including both vehicles and dismounted targets. This versatility made the Dragoon a valuable addition to 2CR’s arsenal, significantly enhancing its ability to respond to the demands of the European operational environment.

MCWS: A New Chapter for the Stryker Family

The introduction of the Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) represented a significant step forward for the Stryker platform. As noted by an unnamed US Army representative, the MCWS is essentially a progression from the Dragoon, leveraging lessons learned and engineering refinements to create a broader, more capable system. Designed with an emphasis on modularity and integration, the MCWS delivers enhanced lethality through the inclusion of the XM813 30mm cannon, along with other features aimed at improving its operational performance.

Unlike the Stryker Dragoon, which primarily addressed specific needs for the Second Cavalry Regiment, the MCWS was built for wider implementation. According to the guest, it retains the vehicle's core infantry carrier role, capable of transporting a nine-man dismount squad while also acting as a secondary vehicle killer. However, with the removal of the Mobile Gun System (MGS), the representative clarified that the MCWS will not assume the MGS's bunker-busting role, which remains unaddressed by any existing Stryker variant.

Moran and the US Army guest discussed the MCWS as fielding solutions for new threats like drones. The vehicle has been designed to eventually use airburst rounds, which can neutralize incoming drone threats. While this capability is not yet operational, it is actively being developed as a future enhancement to the MCWS's armament. Currently, gunners can visually track drones and engage them manually, with the system capable of accommodating proximity or airburst munitions once the technology is finalized.

The program has now entered the fielding phase, with the first unit receiving MCWS-equipped vehicles this year. The guest confirmed that the Army plans to deploy four full sets of MCWS by 2028. However, unlike the Dragoon, which gained a distinct and recognizable name, the MCWS is likely to remain without a memorable nickname, with the guest noting that soldiers simply refer to it as “the 30-millimeter.”

During the development of the MCWS, military contractors were required to provide demonstration turrets fully integrated into the Stryker platform for evaluation. Each prototype was subjected to rigorous testing to assess performance, survivability, and functionality. The design was expected to meet strict Army specifications, focusing on balancing performance with logistical and operational constraints. Major Miner emphasized the critical importance of trade-offs during evaluation, with the ultimate goal of delivering the best value to the Army.

Future of the Stryker Variants and Modernization

In discussing the future of the Stryker family, Major Miner highlighted the Army’s priority of keeping the platform modern and adaptable. He noted the importance of an updated network architecture that ensures new technologies can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicle systems. For example, advances in communication networks and unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities are being developed by other defense programs, while his office focuses on ensuring these systems are compatible with the Stryker platform.

When asked about additional Stryker variants, the US Army representative stated that there are currently no plans to introduce new configurations beyond the existing eleven, which already cover a significant breadth of roles and capabilities. Efforts are now concentrated on refining and maximizing the effectiveness of the available variants rather than expanding the lineup further.

Maintenance and mechanic training were also addressed as the Army transitions to operational use of the MCWS. Initial support will be provided by contractors while the Army develops a program to train its own mechanics to handle system repairs. The guest compared this arrangement to a warranty period, during which the contractor collaborates with the Army to build the necessary training materials for long-term vehicle maintenance.

In wrapping up the conversation, Major Miner reiterated that the emphasis moving forward is not only on keeping the Stryker platform relevant but also on reshaping it to meet the challenges of evolving battlefield environments. This includes staying agile enough to incorporate future technologies and ensuring that soldiers can operate and maintain these complex systems effectively. This approach underscores the Army’s commitment to balancing innovation and practicality, ensuring that the Stryker remains a cornerstone of armored combat operations.

What was said, and when

The points this article makes, and the moment in the recording where each was said. Every time below opens the recording at that moment.

• The development of the Stryker Dragoon originated with an Operational Needs Statement (ONS) submitted by the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) in 2015. 00:37.
• The Operational Needs Statement identified a capability gap in the regiment's ability to engage targets at extended ranges and address a broader array of threats, particularly in the European theater. 00:48.
• The Stryker Dragoon project involved retrofitting existing Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs) with a 30mm unmanned turret. 02:19.
• Soldiers were actively involved in guiding the design decisions of the Stryker Dragoon, influencing aspects such as hatch placement and gunner’s seat layout. 01:58.
• The Dragoon used existing ICVs already in service, eliminating the need for new vehicle production. 02:52.
• Engineering adjustments preserved the Stryker’s performance and transportability despite the increased weight and higher center of gravity from the turret. 05:07.
• The Stryker Dragoon was fielded exclusively to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. 05:17.
• The introduction of the Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) represented a progression from the Dragoon design. 12:21.
• The MCWS incorporates the XM813 30mm cannon and has modularity to address emerging threats, such as drones. 23:18.
• The Army plans to deploy four full sets of MCWS-equipped vehicles by 2028. 22:32.
• There are currently eleven existing Stryker variants, with no plans for introducing new configurations. 22:36.
• Contractors will initially provide maintenance support for the MCWS while the Army develops its training program for mechanics. 24:48.
• The Army emphasizes keeping the Stryker platform modern and compatible with future technologies, such as communication networks and unmanned aerial systems systems. 28:03.