Rheinmetall, GM Defense Propose HX3-CTT for U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense have offered the U.S. Army their HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT) for the service’s Common Tactical Truck program.

The CTT program seeks to identify a replacement platform for the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles.

The Army expects to execute multiple Prototype Projects before determining whether to proceed to initial production that could entail purchase of approximately 5,700 vehicles at a value of around $5 billion. A Request for Prototype Proposals for the first phase was issued in late June with an expected Contract Award in December of 2022.

The CTT Program is a rapid prototyping effort that uses a middle tier acquisition strategy and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts to enable the Army to quickly procure and test tactical truck prototypes to replace its family of heavy tactical trucks. The Army is seeking a modern platform featuring advanced driver safety systems, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability, and fuel efficiency among other emerging technologies. The program will enable the Army to replace legacy vehicles like the Palletized Load System (PLS), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), M915 Line Haul Tractor, and other platforms in the current heavy and medium tactical wheeled fleet. A truck with maximum commercial elements, able to perform military missions, and that can bring commonality amongst mission roles are top priorities for the Army in the program.

HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT)

The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader follower and autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting the Soldier.

The HX3-CTT possesses a high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. The HX family can scale from 4x4 to 10x10.