GM Defense has unveiled a new unmanned ground vehicle concept based on the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD platform. The company plans to begin functional trials of the prototype next year. The vehicle is designed for logistics, troop evacuation, and potential drone defense missions.
The UGV utilizes a dual-rear-wheel skateboard architecture and features a payload capacity of 8,000 pounds. It is equipped with a 102 kWh onboard energy system. The powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with a power take-off unit to charge the battery for export power.
The project leverages existing supply chains and components from GM's current military and commercial production lines. According to GM Defense president Steve DuMont, the company avoids starting from scratch by utilizing established manufacturing processes.
The development follows a significant shift in Army requirements, which increased from 649 to approximately 12,000 units. GM Defense has previously delivered seven Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility Prototypes and expects to supply a five-soldier variant to about 39 active-duty brigades.
