Textron Systems has secured a $450 million Pre-Production Development agreement with the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver 16 Cottonmouth pre-production vehicles for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program.
The agreement covers the delivery of three distinct vehicle variants: C4UAS, 30mm, and Logistics. In addition to the 16 vehicles, Textron Systems will provide three systems integration labs and four blast hulls to support the program. These systems are designed to support the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations framework, focusing on enhanced mobility, survivability, and modular adaptability in the field.
The C4UAS variant is engineered to function as a battlefield quarterback and naval sensor node, facilitating transformed communication and combat strategies through a synergized sensor system. As a purpose-built platform, the C4UAS will serve as a hub for robotic and autonomous systems integration. For combat and support roles, the 30mm variant provides direct fire and anti-armor capabilities, while the Logistics variant is optimized for field supply operations.
This award follows several years of prototype testing. Textron Systems previously delivered C4UAS and 30mm prototypes and integration labs for Marine Corps evaluation to reduce design risks and align the platform with Force Design 2030 requirements. The vehicle utilizes a Modular Open System Architecture, allowing for the integration of new technologies as mission requirements evolve.
David Phillips, Senior Vice President Air, Land and Sea Systems, commented, “Starting as a clean-sheet design in 2019 and shaped by the voice of the customer, the Cottonmouth vehicle is poised to transform the Marine Corps’ reconnaissance missions with adaptability, mobility and as a battlefield quarterback for the USMC.
“Textron Systems invested early on in prototype vehicles to reduce risk and increase maturity for the warfighter. The system design considers today’s mission requirements while also employing a Modular Open System Architecture that enables ease of future integration for the future needs of the USMC, embodying the very essence of innovation and partnership that define us as an organization.”
Manufacturing of the Cottonmouth ARV will take place at Textron Systems’ facility in Slidell, Louisiana, drawing on the company’s established history in ground vehicle production. Engineering and design efforts for the program will be conducted in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Following delivery, the vehicles will undergo rigorous government-led testing to validate performance against program requirements.
Zach Bupp, Vice President Land Systems, added, “This achievement solidifies Textron Systems’ role as a key partner in advancing the Marine Corps’ mission capabilities. We’re proud of the innovative, purpose-built capabilities we’ll be delivering and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Marines over the next several years.”
