Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle (TUGV)

The Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle (TUGV) program specifically the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) development program, aims to produce unmanned ground combat vehicle prototypes to inform Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) maturation. This includes integrating advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence algorithms and informing follow-on production and fielding decisions. The program aligns with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Army Modernization Priority and is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. It involves the development of Surrogate Prototypes (SP) and Full System Prototypes (FSP), which will undergo iterative design-upgrade-test cycles to validate user requirements, inform new doctrine for manned/unmanned teaming based operations, and aid in the determination of capabilities ready for incorporation into the FSP LOE.

The RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program is a key component of the TUGV program, focusing on engineering design and development of the Surrogate Prototypes (SPs) and Full System Prototypes (FSPs). The SP LOE utilizes updated RCV experimental prototypes and new build SPs in an iterative design-upgrade-test approach that includes integration of software updates from the RCV Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP). The FSP LOE will leverage mature capabilities from previous RCV experimentation and SP development efforts and integrate additional embedded software, perception sensors, user control interfaces, and communication links that will permit autonomous movement, tele-op movement, and increased battlefield situational awareness. Additionally, the RCV SWP focuses on embedded software development and sustainment activities including RCV autonomy software, control station software, and payload control software. The program aims to incorporate Soldier and integrator feedback into product roadmaps to guide the development and maturation of critical software capabilities.