US tactical vehicle manufacturer GM Defense publicly displayed its hybrid-powered Next Generation Tactical Vehicle (Next Gen) prototype for the first time at the 2024 Association of the US Army (AUSA) exhibition, held in Washington, DC, on 14 to 16 October.
Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck, the Next Gen combines GM’s 2.8L Duramax turbo-biesel engine with a 12-module battery pack in addition to drive motors for the front and rear axles that enable silent drive and silent watch, making the vehicle harder to detect.
The Next Gen features onboard power that can support high-energy-demand sensors, weapon systems and infantry equipment while also featuring active and passive safety features, including roll-over protection, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, four- and five-point seat belt harnesses and 360-degree camera capabilities.
“Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies,” Steve duMont, GM Defense president, was quoted as saying in a GM Defense press release. “This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as silent operations, exportable power and increased range with extended mission duration,” said DuMont, adding that the vehicle “can be customised and fielded now”.
The Next Gen is offered in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations and can be optimised to support multiple missions, including command-and-control capabilities, launched effects, network extension, counter-unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, as well as anti-armour, casualty evacuation and other critical missions.
Offering a total energy output of 300 kWh, the Next Gen can support several days of silent watch operations and between 90-130 miles (145-209 km) of silent drive, depending on road conditions (off- or on-road), weather and speed. Using both sources of power on the vehicle, GM Defense anticipates it has a range of around 300 miles (483 km), given that the diesel engine can recharge the batteries twice. The battery can go from a 20% to 80% charge in under an hour.
With a curb weight of 10,000 lb (4,534 kg), the Next Gen can be sling-loaded under a CH-47 heavylift helicopter.
The Next Gen is effectively a showcase for what is possible with hybrid electric drive for tactical military vehicles, but as GM Defense addresses the British Army’s upcoming Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Light and LTMP Medium requirements, the Next Gen will be offered as an option in the LTMP Medium class alongside a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered, Silverado-based Light Utility Vehicle.
At AUSA 2024 GM Defense also displayed its Stable Tactical Expeditionary Electric Power (STEEP) solution, which delivers tactical microgrid capabilities to provide sustainable electrical power in austere environments. Developed for the US Marine Corps under contract to the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit, STEEP offers 60+ kWh of energy leveraging new GM Defense battery technology and features a liquid cooling and heating system based on advanced commercial technologies. Each STEEP unit weighs 1,796 kg and is 209 cm long, 91 cm high and 135 cm high.
