Textron Systems has completed construction of its Cottonmouth advanced reconnaissance vehicle (ARV) prototype to support the US Marine Corps Force Design 2030.
The work for the prototype was finalized just four months after a critical design review of the ARV last April at Textron’s facility near New Orleans.
In July 2020, the marine corps selected the firm alongside General Dynamics Land Systems to work on the prototype. The deal stipulated a 22-month development period, delivery in the first quarter of 2023, and a six-month government evaluation in the third quarter.
“The team did an excellent job accomplishing the required design milestones to create a vehicle that meets and exceeds our customers highest priority requirements, and in doing so in less than a year,” Textron Land and Sea Systems Senior Vice President David Phillips said.
“Considering the complexity of the build, it’s a huge accomplishment,” he added.
The Cottonmouth ARV will be further assessed before its delivery to the marine corps for other government-led tests.
Force Design 2030
As part of Force Design 2030, the US Marine Corps requires the development of a vehicle family to equip its Mobile Reconnaissance Battalions.
The vehicles must be light, agile, and adaptive in the face of littoral water obstacles, including rivers, bays, and estuaries.
“We can’t always predict what the next requirement will be. But we can ensure our vehicle systems are rugged, survivable, reliable and easily adaptable for growth,” Phillips explained.
“Whether it’s loitering munitions, counter unmanned air systems technology, mesh networks or something yet to be invented, this vehicle will enable our customers to incorporate it,” he said.