Role & capabilities
- Modular payload carriage
- Remote observation configurations
- Vehicle-autonomy experimentation
- Primary domain
- Land
- System type
- Ground multirole vehicle
- Developer / manufacturer
- Textron Systems / Howe & Howe
- Origin / production countries
- United States
- Other names
- Ripsaw M5; Ripsaw M3; RIPSAW RCV
- Variants / configurations
- M5; M5-E demonstrator; M3; Related M1 and A3 offerings
- Operators / programme customers
- US Army prototype evaluation
Evidence & current status
The cited delivery is for prototypes. No inference of a production-programme win or general service acceptance is made.
RIPSAW is Textron Systems and Howe & Howe's family of robotic ground vehicles. The M5 established the larger demonstrator configuration; M3 is a smaller, modular platform developed with lessons from Army soldier experimentation. Teledyne FLIR is identified as a team member for the Army prototype effort, rather than the sole manufacturer of the chassis.
In October 2024, Textron announced delivery of two M3 prototypes to the US Army's competitive Robotic Combat Vehicle programme. Prototype delivery is a concrete milestone, but it is distinct from selection for production or acceptance of an operational fleet. Earlier articles connecting M5 to Army requirements should not be read as proof that M5 and M3 are the same vehicle.
The current product table gives different masses, dimensions, payload capacities and speeds for the family. This profile preserves separate M5 and M3 numbers, rather than combining the lighter chassis with the larger payload. The supplier also markets additional M1 and A3 forms; those require their own configuration review. Open architecture supports different mission packages, but an installed weapon or sensor demonstration does not establish that every base vehicle has that capability.
Sourced specifications
Figures apply to the named configuration. Maximum values are not guaranteed operating performance.
| Specification | Reported value | Context & source |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Tracked modular robotic platforms | Supplier-reported; configuration dependent. Source |
| Mobility | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Dimensions | M5: 234 × 105 in; M3: 206 × 80 in | Listed length × width; excludes a universal payload height. Source |
| Mass | M5: 21,000 lb; M3: 14,000 lb | Listed vehicle weights; separate configurations. Source |
| Payload | M5: 8,000 lb; M3: 5,000 lb | Separate supplier capacities. Source |
| Endurance | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Range | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Speed | M5: >25 mph; M3: >30 mph | Supplier claims rather than guaranteed loaded performance. Source |
| Terrain / environment | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Sensors | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Communications / control | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
| Launch / deployment | Not established in the reviewed public sources. | Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source |
Documented milestones
Two M3 prototypes delivered
Textron announces delivery for the US Army's competitive Phase I prototype programme.
Read the announcement
Publication history
- — Added sourced land and maritime coverage with domain-specific evidence and limitations.
Suggest a correction to this entry
Follow the evidence
Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.
