Marines developing tech-laden combat vehicle
By
Nick Wakeman
The Marine Corps wants a new combat vehicle that will serve as a technology hub for command and control, unmanned systems and more.
The Marine Corps is developing a new vehicle to serve as a hub for command and control, unmanned systems and precision firing.
The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle, or ARV, will come in six variants based on the mission:
- Command, Control, Communications and Computers -- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Organic Precision Fire-Mounted
- Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems
- 30-milimeter Autocannon and Anti-Tank Guide Missile
- Logistics
- Recovery
From the description in the new sources sought notice, the ARV will operate on land and water. The vehicle will incorporate what the Marine Corps is calling “transformational” technologies that enable manned-unmanned teams. Reponses are due Jan. 31.
“The ARV will enable a crew to sense the operating environment and convey that information using advanced on-board sensors and networked communications systems that are augmented by unmanned systems in order to detect, recognize, identify and report threats at extended ranges,” the request for information states.
The Marines want 533 units over five increments. A timeline has development taking place over the next several years and then production ramping up in fiscal 2029 through 2035.
General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems are the apparent front-runners. Each have been developing concepts for the Marine Corps under Other Transaction Authority contracts. Textron is calling its version Cottonmouth.
The ARV will replace the Light Armored Vehicle that has been in service since the 1980s.
Reponses to the RFI are due Jan. 31. The Army Contracting Command in Detroit is managing the procurement for the Marines.