SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 29, 2024 – GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is set to unveil its groundbreaking "Next Gen" tactical vehicle prototype at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual meeting and exposition (AUSA 2024) from October 14-16, 2024.
The vehicle, derived from the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD ZR2 truck, will be showcased at Booth #7809, Hall D, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
The "Next Gen" stands out with its robust design and advanced technology, featuring GM's 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine coupled with a 12-module battery pack. This configuration powers drive motors on both the front and rear axles, enabling innovative Silent Drive and Silent Watch technologies that significantly reduce the vehicle's detectability.
"Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as Silent Operations, exportable power, and increased range with extended mission duration. Our warfighters deserve the latest technology that industry can offer in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage over our adversaries. Our Next Gen mobility solution can be customized and fielded now.”
Tactical Advantages of the Next Gen Vehicle:
- Silent Drive and Silent Watch: Enables covert operations with minimal acoustic and thermal signatures.
- Exportable Power: Provides onboard power for charging mission-critical systems and equipment.
- Extended Range: Offers increased range and mission duration, enhancing operational flexibility.
- Autonomy-Ready: Designed to accommodate both manned and unmanned operations.
- Enhanced Protection: Features add-on armor capability for increased safety in hostile environments.
Sustainment Benefits:
- Reduced Fuel Consumption: Contributes to fuel efficiency and logistical ease.
- JP8 Fuel Compatibility: Utilizes existing JP8 fuel infrastructure, simplifying logistics.
- Lower Maintenance: Requires less maintenance due to fewer parts and subsystems in the propulsion system.
- Streamlined Logistics: Reduces the logistical burden associated with fuel, batteries, and vehicle parts.
"Next Gen’s ‘wow’ factor is right behind the wheel,” said John ‘JD’ Johnson, vice president of GM Defense’s Government Solutions and Strategy Division. “Customers need to drive this highly capable vehicle to see, feel, and hear the benefits. Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits delivered by its propulsion system, including its ability to address the power gap in the formation. This highly capable tactical vehicle leverages billions of dollars of investments GM has made in R&D and innovation to enhance warfighter capability. We encourage customers to test drive it so that we can get these capabilities fielded immediately.”
Mission Flexibility
The Next Gen is available in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations, catering to various mission needs. It is optimized for a wide range of missions, including command and control, launched effects, network extension, counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems), anti-armor operations, casualty evacuation, and other critical tasks.
Additional Showcased Technologies
At AUSA 2024, GM Defense will also highlight its Stable Tactical Expeditionary Electric Power solution, providing tactical microgrid capabilities, and its Infantry Utility Vehicle, equipped with a Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount and Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport, representing an element of the U.S. Army's Human-Machine Integration – Formation initiative.
GM Defense will also showcase the U.S. Army's Infantry Squad Vehicle and additional light tactical utility vehicles with mission kits throughout the exhibit.
About GM Defense LLC
GM Defense is a leading provider of integrated vehicle solutions, power and propulsion systems, autonomy, and connectivity technologies for global defense, security, and government markets. The company leverages General Motors' decades of engineering expertise and substantial R&D investments to deliver reliable and innovative solutions that enhance mission capabilities.