Textron Systems Corporation on Wednesday announced it has completed the evaluation period for its Cottonmouth prototype for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The prototype vehicle evaluations included tests of land mobility, lethality and ocean swim testing. Testing of the vehicle happened at the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich., the Michigan National Guard Camp Grayling Join Maneuver Training Center, and the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp in Pendleton, Calif.
“Completing the Cottonmouth 30mm build and evaluation period is a significant program milestone and reflects a decisive step toward redefining what reconnaissance platforms can deliver for Marines in the future fight,” Zach Bupp, VP of Programs at Textron Systems, said. “The competitive build and evaluation phases of the ARV program validate the maturity, capability and open systems architecture our systems offer in advance of the next program phase. As the ARV program advances, our open systems architecture enables rapid integration of new technologies and capabilities transforming how the Marines will communicate and fight across rapidly evolving operational environments.”
The ARV 30 mm variant delivers enhanced direct-fire support and anti-armor capability, which expands the mission offerings of the Cottonmouth ARV family. Equipped with a medium-caliber cannon and advanced targeting and sensor systems, the ARV-30mm provides Marines in contested environments with a tool possessing increased lethality, officials said. The evaluation completion represents a significant advancement in the ARV program, Textron said.
The Cottonmouth ARV is designed to operate as a digitally connected naval sensor node with force structure to enhance the Marine Corps’ ability to gather and share critical information.