American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC) 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 powerhouse defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing giants 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 offered the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest generation of
trucks in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks which 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 will 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 provides 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
said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.
Army’s CTT Program. 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 strenghths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and
the commonality of the HX3-CTT design,”
“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.”
said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense.
HX3 Common Tactical Truck
Technology for the future: 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.
Common platforms and parts to support a family of vehicles: The HX3-CTT is the new, next-gen
variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. 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 can meet
any military need.
Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3-CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck
technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military
service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces
obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability and reduces sustainment demands.
Allied interoperability: 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.
Cover Image Courtesy of Rheinmetall