Maine tech company developing electric tank for the military

WATERBORO (WGME) -- Howe and Howe Technologies in Waterboro is no stranger to unique innovations, but brothers Geoffrey and Mike Howe say they're hoping their next project will change the world.

"It's going to bring in jobs, it's going to bring in great technology in Maine, and Maine is a place for the robotic combat vehicle," said Geoffrey Howe the Senior Executive Vice President of Howe and Howe Technologies.

His company, which is owned by Textron Systems, recently developed an electric powered remote controlled tank called the Ripsaw M5. Howe says the technology was recently selected by the military to be test trialed.

"Within one year we're going to have four prototypes that are going to go to the military for demonstrations," he said.

Brother and fellow senior executive Mike Howe says this vehicle is one of a kind, and should save many lives.

"It's unmanned, so there's nobody in the loop that can get hurt while it's in operation," he said. "The ripsaw is known for it's agility, and high speed capability. Which is the only track vehicle like it on Earth."

The company describes the tank as "whisper quiet", and Mike Howe says it's taken a long time to get to where the project is today.

"We've had some of the best team members in the last 20 years working on this project coming from Maine," he said. "It's finally paid off. As Mainers, we're pretty damn proud."

Geoffrey Howe says the details of the agreement are still being finalized with the military, including how much it will cost, and how many additional jobs will be coming to Maine.

'We're still working out the numbers, but you're talking about a multi-billion dollar program, potentially, down the road," he said.

He says Howe and Howe Technologies won the military bid despite facing competition from some of the biggest technology and military based companies in the country. He says he hopes this will start a new chapter in Maine's history of development.

"For many decades, Maine's been at the forefront of this type of work," he said. "Bath Iron Works has done incredible things for the state, and now we're doing our best for the state as well."

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