The U.S. military has chosen Textron Systems’ Ripsaw M3 as its main selection for the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program to develop uncrewed warfare technology. Textron Systems secured the U.S. Army’s latest RCV competition as a Texas-based defense company. The vendor received notification according to reports, but an official announcement regarding the selection will be made during this month.
The next-generation robotic combat vehicle known as RIPSAW M3 operates as a rugged system to improve battlefield performance. The system implements a Modular Open Systems Architecture along with a shared chassis base, which allows the installation of different equipment, including reconnaissance platforms and logistical modules, through combat engineering subsystems. The M3 incorporates a hybrid-electric drivetrain to achieve more than 180 miles (ca. 290 km) of range together with a 5,000-lb payload factor, which delivers exceptional versatility to battlefield operations.
Textron has declared that the vehicle protects soldiers by performing in hazardous areas without requiring human operators. The M3 shares its base reliability elements from its original model yet modernizes its operational features. The vehicle design features an open-deck space resembling the RIPSAW M5 model while providing 10 kW of power capabilities to operate weapon systems and sensors.
Laboratory testing of the M3 consisted of more than 2,500 miles (ca. 4,023 km) of pre-delivery trials to confirm its performance capabilities in combat zones. The M3 reflects decades of ground robotics expertise, according to Mike Howe, who serves as senior vice president at Textron subsidiary Howe & Howe.
Dr. JihFen Lei from Teledyne FLIR Defense commended the vehicle’s unification of uncrewed systems and intelligent sensing technology because it delivers strategic military benefits to troops. The U.S. military confirms its dedication to using robotic technology through its adoption of the M3 vehicle system for modern combat needs.