Dating back to the top-secret EM-50 project from Stripes, the military has consistently been on the lookout for ways to upgrade highly maneuverable, armored vehicles. And while there’s no huge rush for the Marines to replace their current LAV, the eight-wheeled light-armored vehicle that’s been around since 1983, the Corps is eyeing a number of new technologies for the ARV, or advanced reconnaissance vehicle, that will be put in place within the next decade.
Currently, the Office of Naval Research is having two variants of the ARV put through the development process. One will utilize current technologies and standard weaponry, while the second is being dubbed the “at-the-edge” concept and will feature more advanced approaches.
At the core of both vehicles is tapping into the electronic side of warfare, using updated sensors and communication platforms to gather and protect vital mission data. Some of these upgrades will look to provide enhanced thermal imaging of equipment, terrain, and troops, daylight cameras that help eliminate glare and shadows, as well as laser-based range detection. The ARV will also look to carry out offensive measures like identifying and jamming enemy communication systems.
Playing a key role in the development of the at-the-edge concept will be Reston, Virginia-based Science Applications International Corporation, which received a $19 million contract to embed technology like cyber-safe electrical and data distribution architecture, more efficient onboard power systems, and scalable data processing and memory capabilities.
Additional sensor-driven features will include secure voice, video, and data exchanges, GPS platforms, and unmanned aerial and ground vehicle controls, all of which will operate with modular hardware and open software architecture. In addition to these detection and communication capabilities, the new ARV will need to carry enough armor to protect against direct fire and underbody attacks, as well as energy-attenuation seats to protect the crew from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
Both concepts will also need to demonstrate amphibious capabilities, utilize a 25 mm Bushmaster chain gun or cannon on an automated turret system, and a remotely operated machine gun.
The base unit is expected to cost about $6 million each, with the at-the-edge unit cost still being determined.