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Towards the end of the Cold War, those fun-loving guys at FMC Corporation decided to explore the possibilites of the Bradley, three versions actually reached prototype stage:

The Combat Vehicle Armament System Technology (CVAST) redesigned the turret of the Brad and mounted an Aeries 35mm Talon cannon. First tested in 1984, the new turret was not placed in production since it was felt that the larger caliber gun was not needed.

An offshoot of CVAST was a plan to take advantage of recent advances in polymer composites and ceramic armor witht he intent of replacing much of the Brad's existing armor. This new armor package would have resulted in a substantial weight reduction, enhanced crew survival, reduced manufacturing cost, and decreases in maintenance due to less corrosion and metal fatigue. It was killed by Congress due to budget concerns.

As the Army announced the retire of the M-551 Sheridan and the requirements of the Armored Gun System, FMC submitted a light tank based on the Bradley and M113 components. The Close Combat Vehicle, Light (CCVL) used a three man-crew (loader was replaced by an autoloader). It was armed with the M-68 105mm Cannon (fitted with a multi-baffle muzzle brake) and used laminated armor similar to that fitted to the Bradley A@. The CCVL could withstand hits of up to 30mm over a 60 degree froontal arc, wiits flanks and rear protected against HMG. two sixteen-barreled smoke grenade launchers were mounted on either side of the turret. Secondary armament consisted of a M-240C 7.62mm machine gun. Combat weight was 20 tons and it was fitted witha 575hp Detroit Diesel Allison that gave the CCVL a top speed of 45mph and a combat range of 300 miles. Of real intrest was its ability to be loaded into a C-130 transport and delviered via the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES). This is the vehicle that placed second, losing to the M-8.

The final variant, and the one that really caught a lot of intrest is teh M-987 Fighting Vehicle System (FVS). This is the Chassis of the M-993 MLRS without the launchers and replaced with a payload area that could accept a wide variety of "pods", six versions were initially planned:

M-993 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

M-987 Forward Area Armored Logistics System (FAALS): a armored box (with crane) that allowed the protected transport of fuel, ammunition or other necessary supples to front line troops. Could be fitted with a weapons station for a M-2HB.

M-987 Armored Maintenance Vehicle (AMV): This pod allowed the transport of mechanics, tools and spare parts in apod, similar in shape to the FAALS. Fitted witha 7.5-ton capacity crane at the rear, it acould change power packs and gun tubes. This would save time in repairing and returning to sevice damaged vehicles as the AMV would be able to repair vehicles at the battalion level, and not have to tow such vehicles back to rear areas. Armed with a M-2HB and smoke grenade launchers.

M-987 Electronic Fighting Vehicle System (EFVS): This pod was designed for commanders and carried a wide vareity fo communications packages, electronic components and computers. Was also fitted with a remotely activated telescoping mast with antenna that reaches up to 70 feet.

M-987 Firefighter: This version uses a Hughes phased array surveillance radar for counterbattery locatiing of enemy artillery, mortar and rockets.

M-987 Long Range Anti-Tank Program (LRAT): This pod uses a telescoping 50 foot mast linked to a Martin Marietta Target Acquisition and Designation System. It was intended to act as a "forward controller" for Hellfire/ADATS missiles.

Sourcesinclude promo flyers from FMC as well as personnel observation.