// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Robotic Combat Vehicle
A Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) is an unmanned ground vehicle, like a remote-controlled or AI-driven tank, used for military missions such as scouting or direct attack. It is designed to perform dangerous tasks to keep human soldiers safe.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) is an armed, optionally autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) equipped with sensor suites, communication systems, and weapon platforms for direct and indirect fire support, reconnaissance, and security missions. Deployed within a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) construct, RCVs enhance lethality and survivability for ground forces by engaging targets at standoff distances and performing high-risk tasks.
BACKGROUND
The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) is a family of Swedish tracked armoured combat vehicles designed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Hägglund & Söner and Bofors during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, before entering service in Sweden in the mid-1990s. The CV90 platform design has continuously evolved from the Mk 0 to the current Mk IV with technological advances and changing battlefield requirements.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- RCV
- Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle
- UGCV
- Armed Robotic Vehicle
- Combat UGV
- Robotic Tank
- Autonomous Fighting Vehicle
USAGE NOTE
The term is often categorized by weight class (RCV-Light, RCV-Medium, RCV-Heavy) to specify its intended role, from reconnaissance to direct combat support.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Robotic Combat Vehicle.
A major US defense contractor developing the Tracked Robot 10-Ton (TRX), a technology demonstrator for the US Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. Their platform is a key part of the RCV-Medium and RCV-Light experiments.
A multinational defense company involved in the US Army's RCV program, often in partnership with other firms. They have developed their own Robotic Technology Demonstrator (RTD) and integrate advanced control and sensor technologies onto various unmanned platforms.
Developer of the Ripsaw M5, a robotic vehicle platform selected for the US Army's RCV-Medium program. Howe & Howe, a subsidiary of Textron, is known for creating rugged, high-speed tracked unmanned vehicles.
A German automotive and arms manufacturer developing the Mission Master family of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs). These modular platforms can be configured for various roles, including armed combat, making them a type of RCV.
An Estonian company specializing in robotic warfare solutions. They developed the Type-X, one of the first RCVs conceived as an intelligent wingman for main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, and the THeMIS multi-role UGV.
Known for its tactical wheeled vehicles, Oshkosh is a key participant in RCV development, partnering with companies like Hanwha Defense. They leverage their vehicle manufacturing expertise to create robotic versions of platforms like the JLTV and develop new unmanned systems.
A defense technology company that produces a range of unmanned ground systems. Their Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) is a contender in the RCV-Light category, showcasing their expertise in robotic controls and modularity.
A South Korean defense company and a major global player in armored vehicles. They are actively developing RCVs and unmanned ground systems, such as the Arion-SMET, and are partnering with US firms to compete for Army contracts.