American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights and GM Defense, based in Washington, D.C., have won a contract for the first phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program.
The aim of the multi-phased program is to replace the Army’s family of heavy tactical trucks with production of up to 40,000 trucks valued at up to $14 billion.
The two defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing companies to deliver a modern, tactical truck that enhances soldier capability through advanced technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for safety, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability, and fuel efficiency, among other emerging technologies.
The team proposed the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest generation of trucks in the combat proven, HX family of trucks that are in service with a number of NATO and U.S. allied nations. The HX family of trucks derives from MAN Truck and Bus commercial truck offerings bringing a high degree of commerciality to the fleet, a priority for the Army in the CTT program.
The HX3-CTT next-generation system has enhanced on- and off-road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation. Combined with the open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3-CTT is expected to support persistent modernization and allow for rapid increases in capability as technologies mature.
With a global footprint of both current military user nations and commercial dealer networks, the HX3-CTT is designed to provide a basis for optimized lifecycle costs and service support to the Army across the globe.
“Both American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense look forward to providing competition to the Army’s CTT Program,” says Matthew Warnick, managing director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. “We are committed partners to the Army, bringing tremendous operational capability coupled with advanced safety features, ensuring our Soldiers can achieve their mission safely and effectively. Together our team will deliver 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.”
Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, says: “Winning the CTT prototype phase demonstrates the undeniable value that the strategic collaboration between GM Defense and American Rheinmetall Vehicles brings to this important, next-generation Army program. We are excited to bring our advanced technologies and manufacturing prowess into this important collaboration and deliver a proven, modern solution to enhance warfighter capability. We look forward to continuing our work with American Rheinmetall Vehicles to execute the first prototype phase, while gaining the necessary insights to strengthen our position to win future phases of the program.”
The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive-by-wire operation. The 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.
It possesses an “extremely high” level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4×4 to 10×10, the HX is designed to meet any military need.
The truck leverages advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. It is “ruggedized” for the stresses of military service. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability, and reduces sustainment demands.
The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active allied user group consisting of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world.
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