GM Defense has independently developed its Next Generation Tactical Vehicle as an option to replace the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) that was fielded in the 1980’s to replace the M151 Jeep and trailer.
The HMMWV fleet is reaching over forty-years age yet remains in widespread use. The GM Defense Next Gen Tactical Vehicle is based on the company’s commercial in-production Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD ZR2.
However, this design uses the 2.8 litre Duramax turbo-engine as used in the U.S. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle pairing it with a 300 kilowatt hour electric battery. An electric motor with twelve module battery pack at each axle provides power to drive the vehicle. Using electric motors allows significant reduction of the noise and thermal signature of the vehicle when running on battery alone.
Still the vehicle retains many of the modern features that have become standard expectation in commercial vehicles. These features include electronic stability control and antilock brakes items that are found in every commercial vehicle produced since 2012 yet rare in military vehicles. In addition, the design adds active and passive safety features, including roll-over protection, four- and five-point seat belt harnesses, 360-degree camera capabilities, as well as, upgrades like Multimatic DSSV shocks a proven standard in cross-country four-wheeling.
The Next Gen Tactical vehicle can carry up to six soldiers and their equipment. It also offers exportable power and can be provided with integrated armour protection. By utilizing in service components, both military and commercial- off-the shelf, logistics, repair and maintenance would be greatly simplified. In addition, drawing from the commercial Silverado 2500 ZR2, which are actively coming off the assembly line at a rate of one vehicle every fifty-four seconds assures production efficiency and could support more rapid deliveries.
According to GM Defense “the vehicle will be offered in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations. It will be optimized to support multi-mission capabilities, including command and control, launched effects, network extension, counter unmanned aerial systems anti-Armor, casualty evacuation, and other critical missions.”
At the Association of the United States Army event in Washington DC 14-16 October 2024 the Next Gen Tactical Vehicle was displayed mounting in the rear bed a Kongsberg remote weapon station, a Lockheed Martin Javelin anti-tank missile launcher and a Drone Buster counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), as well as, Hoverfly tethered reconnaissance drone. All powered these being by the host vehicle. Thus, GM Defense demonstrated the exceptional versatility and adaptability of its tactical vehicle offering.
by Stephen W. Miller
