- The M5 is intended as a remote controlled ‘wingman’ for manned vehicles
- It can be adapted for use within support, combat and surveillance missions
- The cannon can be switched with anti-tank or anti-aircraft launchers as needed
- The M5 can also carry both an airborne drone and a robot with a manipulator arm
A new robotic tank that can be equipped with armour-piercing ammunition and on-board surveillance drones has been built for the US Army.
Intended to serve as a ‘wingman’ for manned tanks and other armoured vehicles, the so-called ‘Ripsaw M5’ is adaptable for support, combat and surveillance.
The M5 is the latest remote controlled successor of the US Army’s manned Ripsaw MS2 tank, which had a 600 horsepower engine and max speed of 60 miles per hour.
Manufacturer Textron Systems unveiled the Ripsaw M5 on October 14 during the 2019 Association of the United States Army exposition in Washington DC.
The M5 is the latest in the Ripsaw series of remote controlled tanks, the first of which was developed from a manned army vehicle by engineer brothers Mike and Geoff Howe, stars of the 2010 reality TV show ‘Howe & Howe Tech.’
The M5 ‘Robotic Combat Vehicle’ has been further developed as a heavily-armoured combat drone that can carry both weapons and surveillance drones into the field.
The M5 natively sports a gun turret armed with a 30-millimetre Mk. 44 Bushmaster II autocannon, which is designed to operate against both enemy infantry, trucks and armoured opposition vehicles.
‘We are confident that the Ripsaw M5 is [the US Army’s] ideal wingman, and that we can get these vehicles out into the field where they need them â quickly,’ said Textron Systems CEO Lisa Atherton.
The Bushmaster cannon is not suited to engaging with other tanks, however, but the Ripshaw M5 can be fitted with alternative weapons for different challenges.
For example, the turret can be switched with a remote-controlled Javelin anti-tank missile launcher â or even anti-aircraft missiles.
The robot can also be used to clear mines, destroy improvised explosive devices and breach obstacles and can be equipped with a plough, ground penetrating radar or a launcher for rocket-propelled lane clearing charges.
‘My brother Geoff and I founded Howe & Howe with the single, clear objective of safeguarding our nationâs war-fighters,’ said Mike.
‘This drive led us to develop the fastest tracked vehicle in the world, and weâve applied that same spirit and purity of innovation to the Ripsaw M5.’