Textron Systems awarded $450m Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Pre-Production Development (PPD) award by US Marine Corps.
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Press Release, Slidell LA, 02 April 2026: Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that it was awarded a $450M Pre-Production Development (PPD) agreement for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) programme by the US Marine Corps. Under this agreement, Textron Systems will deliver 16 Cottonmouth pre-production vehicles (PPVs), three systems integration labs (SILs) and four blast hulls.
The Cottonmouth ARV PPV will be delivered in three variants: C4UAS, 30mm, and Logistics (LOG). Designed to enhance the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) framework, these vehicles prioritise mobility, survivability, and adaptability. Rigorous government-led testing will follow delivery to validate performance and verify programme requirements. The Cottonmouth C4UAS was designed to act as the battlefield quarterback and naval sensor node within the force structure, enabling transformation to how the Marine Corps communicate and fight, providing superior manoeuvrability while offering a synergised sensor system. A purpose-built vehicle system, the C4UAS will serve as the crewed platform base for robotic and autonomous systems integration, enabling advanced situational awareness. The 30mm variant offers direct fire support and anti-armour capability, while the LOG variant will be optimised for field supply and support. Over the last several years, Textron Systems has delivered C4UAS and 30mm prototype vehicles, as well as SILs, for Marine Corps testing and evaluation, providing valuable insights into design and performance for risk reduction. During this time, Textron Systems worked closely with the USMC to propose a Cottonmouth ARV offering that is aligned with Force Design 2030.
“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,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President Air, Land and Sea Systems. “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 organisation.
“This achievement solidifies Textron Systems’ role as a key partner in advancing the Marine Corps’ mission capabilities,” added Zach Bupp, Vice President Land Systems. “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.”
Built at Textron Systems’ manufacturing facility in Slidell, LA, the Cottonmouth ARV represents decades of heritage and expertise in ground vehicle design and manufacturing. Engineering and design work will also occur in Hunt Valley, MD.
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