USMC ARV Prototypes Selected

The proposals from Textron and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have been selected for the prototype phase of the USMC’s Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV). The contracts for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, which concludes with the delivery of one prototype each, will be awarded by Army Contracting Command in collaboration with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium

Textron has publicly presented its COTTONMOUTH solution, but GDLS has not released any details, except the selection of a UAV from Aerovironment.

The ARV is intended to replace the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) with a new family of vehicles. The first variant, ARV C4/UAS, is now being developed. The designation indicates the main focus of the equipment. The vehicle will have a mixture of reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and computer systems. The equipment will include tethered and free-flying UAVs.

The two EMD prototypes are scheduled for delivery in Q4 2022. After this, a six-month test phase is planned. In 2023, a decision will be made on how to proceed. This will include the outcome of a study to determine whether the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) can be converted into an ARV. The ARV requirement is for around 500 vehicles over a five-year production programme. Costs are estimated at more than €1.5Bn.

Gerhard Heiming