GM Defense launches full-rate production of ISV Infantry Squad Vehicle for US Army.

GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, announced on April 5 that the U.S. Army provided a full-rate production decision for the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense won the initial $214.3 million contract to develop the light and agile all-terrain troop carrier to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment in June 2020.
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GM Defense ISV Infantry Squad Vehicle modified with Heavy Gun Carrier Kit displayed at IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi (Picture source: Army Recognition)

“I’m proud of the GM Defense team for reaching this important milestone in the Infantry Squad Vehicle program and am thankful for the close relationship we maintain with our trusted U.S. Army program office customer,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “Achieving the ISV full-rate production decision strengthens our credibility and amplifies the success of our manufacturing processes. By working in close collaboration with our customer, we have delivered more than 300 vehicles to our U.S. Army customer with many already fielded to the Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.”

The ISV is based on the award-winning Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 mid-size truck architecture and leverages 90 percent commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components. At 5,000 pounds, the expeditionary ISV is light enough to be sling-loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The vehicle’s high percentage of COTS parts provides global defense and government customers flexibility and optionality to outmaneuver threats and support mission requirements as they evolve.

“Our flexibility during the pursuit of the ISV helped us win the early stages of the contract award and has since played a pivotal role in delivering the best value solution to the U.S. Army,” said Rick Kewley, GM Defense vice president of Product Development and Advanced Engineering. “Not only did customer feedback make the ISV better at an accelerated pace, but it also helped us bring to bear the engineering and manufacturing expertise from our parent company, General Motors, to add new capabilities while fulfilling the Army’s design and performance requirements. We remain confident in our ability to meet higher production quantities in the future.”

GM Defense has demonstrated the adaptability of the ISV by expanding the initial nine-passenger troop carrier into a family of vehicles. The GM Defense-produced ISV variants offer configurable vehicles adapted for a broad range of mission profiles, including fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, reconnaissance and logistics, and casualty evacuation.

The ISV was the first major award for GM Defense since the subsidiary was reestablished by its parent company in 2017.

At 5,000 pounds, the ISV is light enough to be sling-loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter (Picture source: GM Defense)

The GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) is a rugged and advanced vehicle designed to provide tactical transportation for an infantry squad of up to nine soldiers. It has been designed to traverse challenging terrains and provide protection for its occupants in harsh environments.

Powering the ISV is a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine that provides 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system which delivers power to all four wheels for enhanced off-road performance. The ISV also features a long-travel Multimatic DSSV suspension system, which enables the vehicle to navigate rough terrain with ease, while providing a smooth ride for the occupants.

The ISV measures 193.8 inches in length, 84 inches in width, and 76 inches in height, with a ground clearance of 12 inches. It has a curb weight of approximately 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,200 pounds, allowing it to carry up to nine fully equipped soldiers and their gear, as well as additional supplies and equipment.

The vehicle is constructed with a fully welded aluminum armor body, designed to provide ballistic and blast protection to its occupants. This armor can withstand small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), providing a safe environment for the squad while on missions.

The ISV is also equipped with advanced communication systems, such as radios and satellite-based communication devices, enabling the occupants to stay connected and coordinate with other units during their mission.

The vehicle can achieve a top speed of 70 mph and travel up to 500 miles on a single tank of fuel, making it a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for the infantry squad.

Defense News April 2023