Prototypes of the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle-30, which Textron Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems built for the U.S. Marine Corps, completed their first swim tests earlier this year at the Amphibious Vehicle Testing Branch in Camp Pendleton, California.
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What Did the ARV-30 Swim Tests Evaluate?
The companies each developed two ARV versions that underwent water mobility demonstrations, including still water and calm water operations to evaluate amphibious performance and gather data to refine their vehicle designs ahead of the next phase of the program, the Marine Corps said Monday. The events were conducted under a rapid prototyping program managed by Program Manager Light Armored Vehicles.
Following the swim testing milestone, the Marine Corps plans to conclude the rapid prototyping phase and transition to the program’s pre-production development stage.
Under the next phase, Textron and GDLS are expected to build 16 prototypes of various ARV variants over a four-and-a-half-year competition period. Following additional testing and a final design selection around 2030, the winner will deliver six ARVs to the Fleet Marine Force.
What Capabilities Does the ARV Program Aim to Deliver?
The ARV is intended to replace the Marine Corps’ Light Armored Vehicle, which has been in service for more than four decades. The new platform is designed to operate as a networked reconnaissance system capable of integrating sensors, communications systems and autonomous technologies to enable manned and unmanned teaming operations.
“There is no question the LAV has been a wonderful vehicle for the Marine Corps for the last 40+ years, but there’s a limit to how much you can iterate on a 40-year-old design,” said Col. Christopher Stephenson, program manager of PM LAV. “The ARV brings a truly modern platform, designed using the best commercial practices for significant safety and interconnectivity improvements.”
What Features Are Included in the GDLS ARV-30 Prototype?
GDLS’ ARV-30 prototype is designed to enhance mobility, survivability and lethality. The vehicle connects to onboard and offboard sensors and unmanned aerial systems, and is designed with a modular open architecture to support the integration of new technologies. The platform also incorporates the company’s Next Generation Electronic Architecture to enable artificial intelligence functionality and control of robotic systems.
What Capabilities Does Textron’s Cottonmouth Prototype Provide?
Textron developed the Cottonmouth prototype in partnership with Elbit Systems of America as part of their joint bid for the Marine Corps’ ARV program. The platform is designed for sustained reconnaissance missions and supports organic unmanned systems operations. An Elbit executive previously said the ARV concept includes a multidomain situational awareness suite that provides significant increases in lethality and survivability.
What Acquisition Strategy Is the Marine Corps Using?
The ARV program is using other transaction agreements with Textron Systems and GDLS, allowing the Marine Corps to utilize flexible contracting mechanisms designed to speed development.
Stephenson said the program also uses the middle tier acquisition pathway to reduce development timelines.
“The ARV program is a prime example of how we are thinking differently about major acquisitions. By leveraging Middle Tier Acquisition pathways and Other Transactional Authorities, we are empowered to move faster than traditional models,” he said.
