Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle: A Comparison between Alpha and Prototype
Developed specifically for the U.S. Marine Corps Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program, the Cottsmouth™ ARV aims to enhance the capabilities of their customers. In 2021, Textron Systems released its Alpha prototype, which has since undergone rigorous testing and modifications, leading to the vehicle’s current, lower risk, versatile version—the Cottsmouth ARV in command, control, communications, computers/unmanned aircraft system (C4UAS) configuration. Leveraging decades of experience working on military vehicles, the Cottsmouth C4UAS was designed to provide superior maneuverability while offering a state-of-the-art sensor system to facilitate reconnaissance missions more efficiently than ever before. With high-powered data processing, target recognition software, and a heavy-duty suspension designed for off-road travel, the Cottsmouth C4UAS is a force to be reckoned with.
Drawing information from the initial Alpha prototype tests, the C4UAS consists of an improved, lower risk design. Textron Systems are continually learning from the company tests and improving design as well as significantly reducing risk to the warfighter. The company looks forward to continuing the testing and improvement process in support of the USMC’s Force Design 2030, which is what the company has done throughout the development of the Cottsmouth. The Cottsmouth 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 has 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 Cottsmouth and the Marine Corps.
Utilizing advanced vehicle electronics (Vetronics), the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) is equipped with cutting-edge technology developed for unparalleled versatility and mobility. Equipped with an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), computer-aided identification (computer-IED), and computer UAS systems, as well as a variety of sensors, this vehicle incorporates a holistic integration approach. The Cottsmouth 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 Cottsmouth 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.
