Army opens competition for Robotic Combat Vehicle Prototypes

By Ashley JohnApril 11, 2023

Detroit Arsenal, Michigan – The Army recently released a Request for Prototypes Proposal (Phase I) for the Robotic Combat Vehicle.

In late summer, the Army will select up to four vendors to deliver platform prototypes. During Phase I of the competition, the vendors will be evaluated on performance and design maturity to deliver full prototypes that meet the Army’s requirements for a lightweight, easily transportable robotic combat vehicle.

In the fall, the Army will release Phase II of the proposal to the selected vendors, one of which will be selected to deliver full-system prototypes, with an expected award of first quarter, fiscal year 2025. The Full Systems Prototype competition is part of the RCV Light Middle Tier Acquisition – Rapid Prototyping program. The goal of the RCV(L) MTA-RP program is to deliver an initial RCV(L) capability that could be transitioned to production and fielding to support the Army of 2030.

The Robotic Combat Vehicle Light (RCV-L) will deliver increased situational awareness, lethality, and tactical options for Army formations in support of multi-domain operations. RCV operators will remotely control RCVs or task RCVs that operate semi-autonomously. Variants will serve as “scouts” or “escorts” for manned fighting vehicles.

“The Army of 2030 and beyond will rely on systems with technology advancements and growth potential, often developed by large and small and traditional and non-traditional business,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems.

The Army hosted multiple industry days for companies interested in competing for the RCV prototype awards leading up the RPP release.  “Contributions from our industry partners are invaluable in delivering systems that meet the requirements for the Army of 2030, and projected needs for the Army of 2040 and beyond,” General Dean said.

To meet emerging challenges, the Army is boldly transforming to provide the Joint Force with the speed, range and convergence of cutting-edge technologies needed for future decision dominance and overmatch in great power competition.

“Human-machine integration is a technical disruptor in the land domain. Bringing RCVs into our formations will give our Soldiers new capabilities to fight and win on the battlefield of the future” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team.

The Robotic Combat Vehicle program is part of the Army’s “24 in 23” Modernization Signature systems to be in the hands of soldier in fiscal 2023. Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems developed the vehicle with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, both based in Warren, Mich.