GM Defense Lands Army Contract for Infantry Squad Vehicle

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GM Defense announced the U.S. Army has agreed to full-rate production of its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The GM subsidiary won the Army’s first $214.3 million agreement in June 2020 to make ISV units capable of transporting an infantry squad of nine soldiers and equipment.

GM Defense based the ISV, which uses 90% off-the-shelf parts, on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The vehicle weighs 5,000 pounds, making it possible to sling load it from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. It also fits inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Since the initial contract, GM Defense has expanded the passenger troop carrier to a family of vehicles. According to the company, the configurable vehicles can participate in missions that include command and control, fire support, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, electronic warfare, casualty evacuation, and surveillance and logistics.

Rick Kewley, VP of advanced engineering and product development, said the ISV’s flexibility helped the company land the initial contract award. GM Defense President Steve duMont said the subsidiary’s close collaboration with the U.S. Army led to the delivery of over 300 vehicles — with many fielded to the Army’s 82nd and 101st airborne divisions.

The ISV marks GM Defense’s first prominent award since its reestablishment in 2017.

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