General Dynamics Land Systems successfully demos ARV prototype to U.S. Marine Corps

By Defence Industry Europe

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has completed a successful round of testing for its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Unmanned Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) variant in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. This ARV prototype, developed for future Mobile Reconnaissance Battalions, underwent testing at key locations, including the Michigan Technological University Keweenaw Research Center and the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center between March and December 2024.

 

The C4/UAS ARV is designed to serve as a vital command hub on the battlefield, connecting with onboard sensors, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and robotic systems. GDLS has built the vehicle with growth margins and modular architecture to accommodate emerging technologies, ensuring that it can integrate new advancements like artificial intelligence and robotic control systems as they evolve.

Testing and demonstrations included assessments of land mobility, logistics, and maintenance, with a specific focus on the ARV’s maintenance and logistics capabilities. GDLS also introduced its next-generation Digital Training System (DTS), which will allow for individual, crew, and unit-level training in tactical operations and vehicle maintenance, further enhancing the ARV’s effectiveness.

 

 

Richard Trotter, ARV Program Director at GDLS, expressed confidence that the data gathered from the testing will ensure the ARV meets the Marine Corps’ requirements, especially in the areas of maintenance and training. The company aims to achieve key performance benchmarks in these areas as it moves forward with the next phase of the program.

The testing was conducted in close collaboration with Marines from the Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) and maintenance communities, providing valuable feedback for further refinements. Marc Shepard, ARV Program Manager at GDLS, emphasised the importance of this partnership in delivering a transformative, 21st-century solution for the Marine Corps.

 

 

GDLS looks ahead to completing the manufacturing and delivery of an ARV-30mm prototype for evaluation in 2025. Additionally, the company will deliver a second Systems Integration Lab (SIL), designed to simulate the C4/UAS vehicle’s interior and allow for the validation of command systems, as well as immersive training for ARV operators.

 

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