Textron-led Team Selected for U.S. Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle Prototype Program

Team RIPSAW, comprised of Textron Systems, Howe & Howe, and Teledyne FLIR Defense, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Phase I: Platform Prototype program.

Team RIPSAW secured its position through a competitive prototype project solicitation released to members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC).

In Phase I, Team RIPSAW will deliver two RIPSAW M3 prototype vehicles by 2024, subject to rigorous testing encompassing mobility, sensor performance, remote control, and overall reliability. Simultaneously, they will work on the preliminary M3 design. The RIPSAW M3 boasts an open architecture and a versatile common chassis supporting various field-exchangeable payloads.

Team RIPSAW's involvement in robotic vehicle development dates back to 2019, starting with the RIPSAW M5, followed by the M5-E (electric) and M3 Tech Demonstrator, developed through collaboration with industry and the U.S. Army, enduring over 2,000 miles of durability testing.

The Ripsaw M3 offers transportability within a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and features a hybrid-electric drive, swim and submersion capabilities with water jet propulsors, and a substantial 14-inch ground clearance, influenced by recent Army experiments with robotic vehicles. To address network challenges from RCV experimentation, Textron focuses on ensuring reliable connectivity between manned and unmanned vehicles.

At AUSA 2022, the M3 displayed diverse weapon systems over three days, including the 30mm R400S remote weapon station with CACI International's counter-drone and electronic attack capabilities, Kongsberg's CROWS-J with Javelin missiles, and Anduril's Area-I Altius system, along with Kongsberg CROWS armed with Arnold Defense's Hydra rocket launcher.