WASHINGTON — April 28, 2026 : Textron Systems, in collaboration with its subsidiary Howe & Howe, unveiled the wheeled RIPSAW M1 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the Modern Day Marine 2026 exhibition, presenting a new robotic platform aligned with the Force Design 2030 framework.
Platform Design and Architecture
The RIPSAW M1 is introduced as the first variant in a planned family of scalable robotic vehicles, developed using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). The design enables continuous integration of hardware and software from government and third-party developers, avoiding reliance on proprietary systems while supporting long-term upgrades.
The platform is engineered to operate alongside the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle and Amphibious Combat Vehicle, functioning as an autonomous force multiplier within Marine formations.
Technical Specifications
The vehicle prioritizes speed, maneuverability, and payload flexibility rather than heavy armor. It has a curb weight of 4,300 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,300 pounds, allowing for a mission payload of up to 2,000 pounds.
With a compact structure measuring 10.5 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 4 feet in height, the M1 is designed for rapid transport and deployment. It provides 18 inches of ground clearance and a turning radius of 7.5 feet, enabling operation in confined urban and littoral environments.
The all-electric drivetrain supports a silent operational range of 30 miles, reducing acoustic detectability during reconnaissance missions. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 53 miles per hour in high range and 20 miles per hour in low range. It is also capable of fording water obstacles up to 48 inches deep without modification.
Operational Roles and Payload Integration
The flat-deck payload configuration allows rapid reconfiguration for multiple mission profiles at the unit level. These include reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA), hard-kill counter-unmanned aerial system operations, and deployment of loitering munitions.
At the exhibition, the M1 was demonstrated with the integration of “Damocles,” a compact search-and-strike drone system. This configuration enables the platform to support precision engagement of targets, including armored assets, from a standoff distance without requiring fixed launch infrastructure or manned aviation support.
Operational Concept
The system is designed to support distributed operations across coastal and island environments, where logistics constraints limit the deployment of heavy armored platforms. By operating as an uncrewed forward asset, the M1 reduces risk to personnel while extending the operational reach of Marine units in contested areas.
Development and Future Testing
According to Sara Willett, Vice President of Programs at Textron Systems, the demonstrator reflects the application of autonomous system experience across land, air, and maritime domains, with emphasis on scalable size, weight, and power (SWaP) while maintaining a common robotic core.
Following its debut, Textron plans to deploy the RIPSAW M1 in operational environments as part of a “campaign of learning.” This phase will collect user feedback from military units to refine the system and support its transition from a technology demonstrator to a field-deployable capability.
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