What will the US Army’s RCVs-Light feature?
Textron RIPSAW M3 is among the designs selected by the US Army. (Photo: Textron Defense)
Modularity, open systems architecture, transportability, advanced technology and growth potential are among the main US Army requirements to select the designs of four companies as part of the Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-Light) Middle Tier Acquisition – Rapid Prototyping programme capability.
The RCV-Light is intended to deliver increased situational awareness, lethality and tactical options for army formations in support of multi-domain operations. Its operators will remotely control the platforms or task them to operate semi-autonomously.
The service has recently awarded $24.72 million in Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) to Textron Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), Oshkosh Defense and McQ. Under the RCV-Light Phase I, the suppliers will each provide two platform prototypes by August 2024.
Textron’s design is based on the RIPSAW M3 robotic vehicle technology demonstrator, which was unveiled in the AUSA 2022 exhibition.
Speaking to Shephard, David
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain]()
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
-
![April land forces roundup: Munitions and long-range fires drive procurement momentum]()
April land forces roundup: Munitions and long-range fires drive procurement momentum
The demand for long-range fires continues alongside the drive to increase artillery shell manufacture and the procurement of new artillery weapons.
-
![Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance]()
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
-
![Is the RCH 155 self-propelled wheeled howitzer for the British Army finally on the way?]()
Is the RCH 155 self-propelled wheeled howitzer for the British Army finally on the way?
The Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm self-propelled gun is making strong progress, with contracts being placed and production capacity being boosted for the base Boxer vehicle.
