Textron Systems is positioning itself as a global leader in autonomy across the air, land and sea domains, after entering into a letter of intent to purchase Howe & Howe Technologies Inc., a developer of advanced robotic land vehicles.

Built and proven for the most extreme conditions in the world, Howe & Howe’s vehicles have earned the trust of customers in the U.S, as U.S. government customers have selected Howe & Howe’s small, highly mobile Ripsaw Super Tank for its speed, mobility and off-road performance, while Howe & Howe’s RS2-H1 SMET was down-selected to compete to be the U.S. Army’s first platoon load-carrying robot, after completing a 60-mile test through swamp and jungle terrains.

Additionally, Howe & Howe has built what is described as the “world’s first and only purpose-built robotic firefighting solution,” known as the Thermite firefighting robot. The company is also known for its Bulldog line of extreme firefighting and medical transport vehicles.  

“Howe & Howe are the original disruptors in the advanced robotic vehicle space, bringing customers the capability they need in a small, fast and mobile footprint to support their critical missions,” says Textron Systems’ President & CEO Lisa Atherton.

“Bringing together Textron Systems’ and Howe & Howe’s talent, capabilities and proven products will join two of the best, and we are excited at the idea of advancing the industry even further as one team.”

Textron Systems has decades of experience in unmanned platforms and control systems, as well as mission-proven combat vehicles, making Howe & Howe’s advanced robotic ground vehicle platforms and applications a “natural fit” for the company’s portfolio. Textron Systems notes that it has delivered unmanned platforms, control systems and a full range of operations and support services for more than one million operational hours.

Textron Systems COMMANDO land vehicles are used around the world under several programs of record and are known for their on- and off-road mobility, survivability and reliability.

“We are extremely pleased at the possibility of joining forces with Textron and continuing to push the laws of physics in ground mobility and robotics,” comments Michael D. Howe, President of Howe and Howe Technologies Inc.

“The deep experience and forward thinking of Textron Systems, coupled with the innovation and sheer competitiveness of Howe & Howe, will make for a formidable combination.”