Textron Systems has partnered with Louisiana defense engineering company Vivace International Corporation to provide critical components for its Cottonmouth advanced reconnaissance vehicles (ARVs).
The collaboration supports Textron’s ongoing work, signed in April 2026, to deliver 16 pre-production variants of the platform as part of the US Marine Corps’ effort to modernize mobile firepower, logistics, and C4UAS capabilities across expeditionary missions.
That acquisition covers three systems integration laboratories and four blast hulls.
Vivace’s activities will be conducted at the company’s aerospace center and defense center within NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
The firm is expected to leverage high-precision assembly and integration approaches for key solutions used in modern land, air, and space platforms.
Backing Marines Modernization, Local Economy
Vivace noted that its participation in the Cottonmouth initiative reflects its growing footprint across the defense and aerospace sectors.
“Vivace is honored to collaborate with Textron Systems to support the production of its clean-sheet platform for the USMC,” said Luke Wright, chief operating officer at Vivace.
“The Cottonmouth ARV will transform the [US Marine Corps] reconnaissance mission. Our team is committed to delivering this next-generation system using Vivace’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities.”
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno also commented on the arrangement, describing it as a breakthrough for the city’s continuous economic development.
“The partnership… reflects exactly the kind of investment we envisioned through our Jobs and Innovation Corridors initiative … to attract innovative employers, create quality career opportunities for New Orleanians, and strengthen our city’s position in the industries shaping the future,” Moreno stated.
“We look forward to continuing this momentum and welcoming even more investment to New Orleans East.”
