American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense have delivered three truck prototypes for the first phase of the US Army Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program.
The partnership’s offering, the HX3 CTT, is based on the combat-proven HX family of trucks in service with several NATO and US-allied nations.
Featuring open architecture, the HX series offers constant modernization and capability upgrades, including robotic and autonomous operations.
“The HX3 CTT next-generation system has enhanced on and off-road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation,” Rheinmetall explained.
HX3 CTT Features
The HX3 CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive-by-wire operation.
Additionally, its “new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader-follower, tele-operation, and fully autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.”
Leveraging the latest commercial truck technology, it offers safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Moreover, the wide availability of parts reduces obsolescence risk/cost and sustainment issues.
“Together our team delivers a transformational truck that leverages the commercial strengths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and the commonality of the HX3 CTT design,” American Rheinmetall Vehicles managing director Matthew Warnick said.
$14 Billion Truck Program
The US Army selected four participants for the CTT program: Oshkosh Defense, Mack Defense, Navistar Defense, and a joint team from Rheinmetall and GM Defense.
The initiative aims to assess whether commercially-based CTT variants can meet military requirements, with potential replacement of the M915 line haul tractor and M1088 medium tractor, palletized load system, and the heavy expanded mobility tactical truck.
It seeks to reduce “current gaps in driver safety systems, autonomy, fuel consumption and predictive maintenance,” according to the US Army.
A total of 40,000 military trucks could be produced under the program for an estimated $14 billion.
All prototypes are expected to be assessed in 2024.