Drones are forcing the Army to rethink its robotic combat vehicles. See the revolutionary prototypes.

Launched in 2019, the RCV program aimed to integrate autonomous and remotely operated capabilities into the Army's ground systems for future combat.

The Army initially planned to develop three RCV versions — an expendable light variant, a durable medium variant, and a lethal heavy variant capable of defeating "all known enemy armored vehicles."

The Army later deferred development of the medium and heavy variants to focus on just the RCV-L in August 2023. Four companies delivered RCV prototypes to the Army to be selected as "the best of breed" for eventual production.

The Army was reportedly expected to award the RCV contract in March 2025, just weeks before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive to transform the service into "a leaner, more lethal force."

Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll said the RCV concept is "incredibly important," but recognized that "we keep creating and purchasing these exquisite machines that very cheap drones can take out."

In a May 1 memo, Army officials detailed plans to implement the transformation "by infusing technology, cutting obsolete systems, and reducing overhead to defeat any adversary on an ever-changing battlefield."

Developed by Texas-based defense tech company Textron Systems, the Ripsaw M3 is an uncrewed ground vehicle designed to adapt to mission-specific capabilities, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and direct combat support.

Equipped with a hybrid-electric powertrain system, the Ripsaw M3 can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour with a range of 180 miles. The 18,000-pound RCV has a modular open flat deck spanning 63 square feet and a payload capacity of 5,000 pounds.

In early March, multiple outlets reported that Textron Systems was awarded the contract to develop the Army's first RCV, but the service didn't officially confirm the selection. Textron also won the prototyping contract for the RCV-M before the Army solely focused on developing the RCV-L.

In October, General Dynamics Land Systems delivered an updated version of its Tracked Robot 10-ton (TRX) robotic combat vehicle to the Army for consideration.

Originally under consideration to be the RCV-M, the 5-ton UGV can accommodate various payloads weighing over 11,000 pounds, including short-range air defense. It can be remotely controlled or operate with full or semi-autonomy.

"The TRX offers an innovative solution for some of the Army's force structure challenges," Scott Taylor, US business development director at GDLS, told Breaking Defense in March 2023, "but also, and more importantly, to address many of the dirty, dull and dangerous missions with a innovative multi-payload capable RCV."

With Virginia-based defense tech company McQ as the prime contractor, the WOLF-X prototype was developed in collaboration with HDT Global and BAE Systems.

The 8×8 wheeled vehicle is powered by a hybrid diesel/electric powertrain and suspension system designed to adapt to challenging terrains.

Purpose-built for the Army's RCV competition, the WOLF-X can be modified to carry an MK44 30mm chain gun and enhanced armor, but can fit inside a CH-47D Chinook heavy-lift helicopter in its base configuration.

Wisconsin-based contractor Oshkosh Defense designed its RCV "as a "soldier-centered, purpose-built solution" for a modern battlefield, Pat Williams, Oshkosh Defense chief programs officer, said in a statement.

Acting as a scout and escort in a crewed mechanized fleet, the tracked autonomous vehicle features a range of capabilities including electronic warfare, troop support, and counter-drone defense.

The modular RCV can accommodate various payloads and advanced weapon systems, from small arms to large caliber cannons.

While the RCV program was not explicitly mentioned as one of the Army's "obsolete programs," Driscoll said, after putting the RCV concept to the test, the system proved to be "incredibly valuable, but the actual cost ratio just didn't work."

"What we've seen, and this has been seen all over the world, is we keep creating and purchasing these exquisite machines that very cheap drones can take out," Driscoll said during a May 6 episode of the War on the Rocks podcast.

He added, "We are the wealthiest nation, perhaps in the history of the world, but even we can't sustain a couple-million-dollar piece of equipment that can be taken out with an $800 drone and munition."

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said during the podcast that changes are on the horizon, from what military assets the Army plans to invest in, like long-range missiles, to how the service itself is organized.

Though the RCV program is in limbo, George added that the service isn't entirely abandoning autonomous systems but is instead considering the "cost curve for us."

"If modern technology can give you something that is a 10th of the cost, a 20th of the cost, we shouldn't be locked into buying something that is terribly expensive," George said.