GM Defense presents “Next Gen” electrified tactical vehicle at AUSA 2024

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), unveiled its new “Next Gen” tactical vehicle prototype at AUSA 2024, the annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.

Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck, the rugged and durable Next Gen combines GM’s 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine with a 12-module battery, plus drive motors for the front and rear axles that enable Silent Drive and Silent Watch , technologies that make vehicles more difficult to detect.

The technologies enable stealthy entry and exit through high-threat zones, with onboard power to support power-demanding sensors, snipers and soldier kits. The vehicles offer active and passive safety features, including rollover protection, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, four- and five-point seat belts, and 360-degree camera capabilities.

“Our Next Gen vehicle is a revolutionary mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating proven commercial GM technologies,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “This robust and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages such as quiet operations, exportable power and increased range with extended mission duration. Our warfighters deserve the latest technology the industry can offer in order to gain and maintain a competitive advantage over our adversaries. Our Next Gen mobility solution can be customized and fielded now.”

Next Gen offers the following tactical advantages:

• Silent Drive and Silent Watch, enabling low acoustic and thermal signatures;
• Exportable energy capable of charging mission systems;
• Tactically significant range with extended mission duration;
• Designed to be autonomy-ready with manned and unmanned options; and
• Capable of additional armor.

Additionally, Next Gen offers sustainment benefits including:

• Reduction in fuel demand;
• The ability to use existing JP8 fuel infrastructure;
• Lower maintenance requirements due to reduced parts and subsystems in the overall propulsion system; and
• Reduced logistics tail for fuel, batteries and vehicle parts.

“The wow factor of the next generation is right behind the wheel,” said John ‘JD’ Johnson, vice president of GM Defense’s Government Strategy and Solutions Division. “Customers need to drive this highly capable vehicle to see, feel and hear the benefits. The Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits provided by its propulsion system, including its ability to address the power gap in formation. This highly capable tactical vehicle leverages billions of dollars in investments GM has made in R&D and innovation to enhance warfighter capabilities. We encourage customers to try it out so we can put these features into practice right away.”

Next Gen is offered in two-, four- and six-seat configurations. The vehicle will be optimized to support multi-mission capabilities, including command and control, launch effects, network extension, unmanned anti-armor aerial systems, casualty evacuation and other critical missions.

At AUSA 2024, GM Defense will also showcase its Stable Tactical Expeditionary Electrical Power Solution, which offers tactical microgrid capabilities, and its Infantry Utility Vehicle, packed with a Squad Dismount and Maneuver Equipment Carrier with enhanced silent tactical power for represent an element of the US Army. Human-Machine Integration – Training Initiative. GM Defense will also showcase the U.S. Army Infantry Squadron Vehicle and additional light tactical utility vehicles with mission kit throughout the exhibit.

October 14, 2024Blagojce Krivevski