Naval Warfare

Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle : Alpha vs. Prototype

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Textron Systems' Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle
Textron Systems' Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle

Purpose-built for the U.S. Marine Corps Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program, Cottonmouth™ ARV has been developed to support the mission of their customers. In 2021, Textron Systems released its Alpha prototype, which has since undergone stringent testing and modifications, leading to the vehicle’s current, lower risk, version— the Cottonmouth ARV in command, control, communications, computers/unmanned aircraft system (C4UAS) configuration. Leveraging the company decades of experience working on military vehicles, the Cottonmouth C4UAS was specifically designed to provide superior maneuverability while offering a synergized sensor system to make reconnaissance missions easier than ever. With high-powered data processing, target recognition software and a heavy-duty suspension designed for off-road travel, the Cottonmouth C4UAS is a force to be reckoned with.

Taking information found from the initial Alpha prototype tests, the C4UAS consists of an improved, lower risk design. Textron Systems are continuously working to learn from the company tests and improve design as well as significantly reduce risk to the warfighter. The company look forward to continuing the testing and improving process in support of the USMC’s Force Design 2030, which is what the company have done throughout the development of the Cottonmouth. The Cottonmouth C4UAS was recently delivered to the United States Marine Corps, which has been putting the vehicle through its paces over the past several months as part of their evaluation process. The company have created a platform with advanced technologies and maneuverability allowing the Prototype Variant to take on the Marine Corps’ reconnaissance missions, making them easier than ever. Textron Systems are excited to see what the future holds for the Cottonmouth and the Marine Corps.

Textron Systems' Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle
Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle. (Photo by Textron Systems)

Utilizing advanced vehicle electronics (vetronics), the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) is filled with leading technology developed for unrivaled versatility and mobility. Equipped with a UAS, counter-IED and counter UAS systems, as well as a variety of sensors, this vehicle incorporates a wholistic integration approach. The Cottonmouth meets the program requirements across the entirety of the vehicle to reduce vehicle size and weight while maintaining power. Featuring a dual display on a single pane of glass, each screen allows for cross domain integration with each seat providing access into any virtual workstation.

In addition to the exceptional vetronics, Textron Systems ARV is also supported with a state-of-the-art system integration lab (SIL). The SIL is a mock-up designed for testing and development of various systems that will be implemented and utilized inside of the Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV). Delivered to the U.S. government in 2022, the Textron Systems SIL is working alongside the government to support early risk reduction testing, resulting in stronger vehicle prototyping. This virtual environment allows for improved adaptability, allowing the company team to quickly pivot and adjust to develop the design that will best support Textron Systems Marines and the mission sets they support.

Textron Systems' Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle. (Photo by Textron Systems)
Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle. (Photo by Textron Systems)
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