Textron Systems Corporation and its subsidiary Howe & Howe Inc. have introduced the RIPSAW M1 uncrewed ground vehicle technology demonstrator at the 2026 Modern Day Marine exposition in Washington, D.C. The M1 UGV is designed to support U.S. Marine Corps missions involving littoral mobility and uncrewed teaming concepts of operation. The vehicle is intended as a robotic force multiplier for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle and Amphibious Combat Vehicle, with development aligned to the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 priorities.
The technology demonstrator represents the next iteration in Textron Systems’ Modular Open Systems Approach-designed family of uncrewed ground vehicles. It is the first variant in the M1 line and is intended to demonstrate the company’s ability to scale vehicle capacity and capability while maintaining a common robotic core.
Textron Systems said the M1 UGV can support mission areas including hard-kill counter-unmanned aircraft systems, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. The vehicle can also be used as a platform for launching loitering munitions. The company said the system is intended to extend the reach of existing Marine Corps platforms while reducing risk to personnel and protecting larger ground vehicles.
“The M1 technology demonstrator shows the art of the possible for how UGVs can support the Marine Corps’ missions,” said Sara Willett, vice president of programs. “Along with Howe & Howe, we took our experience in autonomous robotic systems across land, air and sea — the same domains the Marine Corps’ missions live — to develop this system that demonstrates our ability to scale the SWAP up or down, all while maintaining the common robotic core that enables our UGVs to provide exceptional transportability and battlefield agility.”
Howe & Howe develops advanced robotic land vehicles for use in challenging operating conditions. Its portfolio includes the RIPSAW M5 and Thermite robotic firefighter. Textron Systems provides uncrewed air, surface and land systems, services and support across defense, aerospace and related markets.
