Textron Ripsaw M5 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Textron |
|---|---|
| Model | Ripsaw M5 |
| Year | 2019 |
| Category | Defence Tactical |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Connectivity | Military Tactical Radio, UGV Command System, Army Network |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- US Army RCV-M demonstrator platform
- 30mm cannon capable payload
- Autonomous and remote-control operation modes
- High-speed tracked vehicle platform
- Wingman to crewed armoured vehicles
- Textron Systems integration of Howe & Howe Ripsaw platform
- Force multiplication without crew exposure
What is it?
The Ripsaw M5 is an unmanned tracked combat vehicle demonstrator for the US Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle – Medium (RCV-M) programme. It is designed to operate alongside crewed vehicles as an autonomous or remote-controlled combat platform, providing direct fire support and reconnaissance without a human crew on board.
Who is it for?
US Army and allied defence forces evaluating robotic combat vehicle concepts for armoured formation force multiplication. Defence technology researchers and policy analysts tracking the US Army's RCV programme development. Defence procurement officials evaluating Textron Systems' robotic combat vehicle capability.
Key specs
- Platform: Ripsaw M5 tracked vehicle (Howe & Howe origin)
- Payload: 30mm cannon capable, modular mission payload
- Operation: Autonomous + remote control
- Role: Robotic Combat Vehicle – Medium (RCV-M) demonstrator
- Speed: High-speed tracked vehicle (>40 km/h)
- Programme: US Army RCV-M competition
- Status: Demonstrator / evaluation (not in production)
- Origin: US
RCV programme context
The US Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle programme seeks to develop autonomous or remote-controlled fighting vehicles in Light, Medium, and Heavy classes to operate alongside crewed vehicles in armoured formations. RCV-M is the medium class, intended to operate as a heavily armed wingman for M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley IFVs. Textron's Ripsaw M5 competed against General Dynamics' entry in US Army RCV-M trials.
How it compares
Ripsaw M5 competed against General Dynamics Land Systems' RCV-M candidate and the QinetiQ/Pratt Miller EMAV in the US Army's RCV programme. The RCV-M programme is ongoing; production contract status should be verified with US Army programme office sources.
Limitations
- Demonstrator status — not in full-rate production
- Autonomous combat rules of engagement remain legally and policy unresolved
- Remote control latency in contested electromagnetic environments
- Tracked design less agile than wheeled platforms in urban terrain
FAQ
What is the US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle programme?
The US Army RCV programme develops autonomous or remote-controlled combat vehicles in Light, Medium, and Heavy configurations to multiply the combat power of crewed armoured formations. RCV-M (medium) is intended to operate as an armed wingman for M1 Abrams and Bradley combat vehicles.
Can Ripsaw M5 fire autonomously?
As a demonstrator, the Ripsaw M5's weapons employment follows US Army doctrine requiring human-on-the-loop or human-in-the-loop control for weapons release. Fully autonomous weapons use remains US policy-prohibited for lethal engagements.
Is Ripsaw M5 in production?
The Ripsaw M5 is a demonstrator for the US Army RCV-M programme. Production contract status should be verified through US Army programme office announcements, as the programme was still in evaluation as of 2024.
What is the origin of the Ripsaw platform?
Ripsaw was originally developed by Howe & Howe Technologies, a Maine-based defence vehicle company known for high-speed tracked vehicles. Textron acquired Howe & Howe in 2019, integrating the Ripsaw into its Textron Systems unmanned ground vehicle portfolio.