The light tactical utility vehicle, designed by GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors specialising in military products, is tailored for the US Army and allied forces to support sustained operations in challenging environments.
The utility concept vehicle is derived from the advanced commercial technology of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty (HD) truck platform.
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It is designed to support command and control, electronic warfare, counter unmanned aerial systems, reconnaissance, and logistics operations.
In May 2024, GM Defense announced that the Hero-120 loitering munition would be incorporated into the light tactical utility vehicle.
GM Defense light tactical utility vehicle design and features
The light utility vehicle is 6.44m long, 2.51m wide and 2.12m high.
It utilises several off-the-shelf components, including Chevrolet performance parts, to improve its off-road capabilities and enable rapid scalability.
The utility solution features a standard-length Silverado HD cargo bed at the rear end, making it ideal for accommodating Hero-120 systems.
The vehicle can accommodate four or five passengers with a 2/2 or 2/3 seating configuration.
It is engineered for air transport inside a C-130 turboprop military transport aircraft.
GM Defense offers a range of kits to enhance the vehicle’s lethality, including remote weapon systems and weapon rings for offensive mission kits.
Mobility and performance of light utility vehicle
GM Defense’s light tactical utility vehicle has 18×9 wheels and 37in tyres. It is equipped with several features that help in tackling challenging off-road conditions including improved approach and departure angles and skid plates or underbody protection in addition to a revised suspension with a wider track and increased trim height.
The vehicle features a hydraulic power-assisted hydro boost brake booster and four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system.
It is equipped with an electronic locking differential on the front and rear axles along with a lifted short-long arm independent front suspension supported by torsion bars and a lifted semielliptic multistage leaf springs on the rear suspension.
Other features include a GM engine control module, GM transfer case control module and chassis control module along with a rollover protection system found in the Chevrolet Silverado HD truck platform.
Light utility vehicle interface features
The light tactical utility vehicle features monitoring systems for fuel level, vehicle speed, engine revolutions per minute, warning lights, lighting state, turn signal display, digital speedometer, trip odometer, fuel range, air filter life, and brake pad life among others.
The electrical system features a compatible 24V system, North Atlantic Treaty Organization slave cable interfaces, blackout mode, combat mode, an electronic speed control kit option, auxiliary power outlets, and a universal battery charger.
Hero-120 MCL-E system
The Hero-120 multi-canister launcher – expeditionary (MCL-E) system is developed by UVision, a defence technology company, and Mistral, a systems solutions provider for defence and law enforcement markets.
The loitering munition is designed to engage enemy combatants while keeping soldiers out of direct enemy fire. It is capable of targeting and engaging a wide range of targets, including armoured vehicles, enemy troops, field fortifications, and urban structures.
The incorporation of the Hero-120 MCL-E into the utility vehicle offers combat effectiveness for soldiers, whether mounted or dismounted, broadening their operational capabilities, and enhancing their lethality across a range of combat situations.
The loitering munition’s precision strike capability is designed to maximise effectiveness while minimising collateral damage, ensuring operational success in combat situations.
Propulsion
The light utility vehicle is equipped with a GM Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V8 engine. It utilises an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and a GM AutoTrac two-speed transfer case.
The vehicle includes a common rail direct injection fuel system with a high-pressure electric fuel pump system.
