ARV

Description: The Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV), formerly known as UGCV or Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle, is being developed by United Defense, now BAE Systems, to meet the requirements of the FCS program. The ARV vehicle will be controlled remotely by a single human operator located inside a manned platform or dismounted. This vehicle will eventually replace current Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in high-risk missions.

The 5-ton class ARV vehicle will be deployed in two versions both sharing the same chassis: ARV-RSTA for Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition missions and ARV-Assault for direct and indirect fire missions. United Defense/BAE Systems was selected by the FCS Lead System Integrator to conduct the ARV program in 2003.

The ARV will operate in support of platoons and companies in the FCS-equipped units of action. The vehicle will be about the size of a large pickup truck and deployable in C-130 (various ARVs) or CH-47 (one ARV) aircraft. The ARV-RSTA will carry a cannon for self-defense, disperse ground sensors and conduct battle damage assessment. The ARV-Assault will carry beyond-line-of-sight missiles, a powerful automatic cannon and machine gun/s.

In April 2005, the ARV System Development and Demonstration (SDD) value was increased to $311 million to accelerate development and fielding of such unmanned system. More prototypes are to be produced under this contract modification. Within the current framework, the first ARVs would be fielded in 2010 achieving full operational capability by 2013.

Specifications
Accommodation: Unmanned

Weights: Max Weight 5,000 kg (11,023 lb)