Prototypes for the U.S. Army's Common Tactical Truck Program

American Rheinmetall Vehicles, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall, and partner company GM Defense LLC have delivered three prototypes for the first phase of the U.S. Army's Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program, achieving a significant milestone. The goal of the multi-phase CTT program is to replace the U.S. Army's family of heavy tactical trucks, with production of up to 40,000 vehicles valued at up to $14 billion planned.

The two leading defense companies, Rheinmetall and GM Defense, entered into a strategic partnership in 2022 to participate in the program. In this partnership, two world-class developers and manufacturers bring their expertise to create a modern tactical truck that focuses on soldier safety and protection, while enhancing their capabilities through future technologies. This includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), increased off-road capability, cybersecurity, outstanding survivability, readiness for autonomous use, improved fuel efficiency, and other important new technologies. By using these capabilities, which are already present in most commercial vehicles, the risk of accidents can be reduced when using military vehicles. It will also help reduce the number of soldiers involved in dangerous convoy missions.

The industrial team offers the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest truck generation of the highly successful and field-tested HX family, which is in use with a number of NATO countries and U.S. allies. The HX truck family is based on the commercial truck portfolio of MAN Truck and Bus, which brings a high level of commercial components into the fleet – a key requirement of the U.S. Army in the CTT program. The next-generation HX3-CTT system is characterized by improved mobility on road and off-road, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture that supports ADAS and enables autonomous vehicle operation. In conjunction with the open architecture, the commercial framework of the HX3-CTT will foster continuous modernization and rapid capability enhancement through technological evolution – including the use of robots and autonomous vehicles. With global deployment in 20 user nations, including the closest allies of the USA, and a commercial dealer network, the HX3 CTT provides the U.S. Army with a foundation for optimized life cycle costs and global service support.

HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT)

Technology for the future: The HX3-CTT features a modern, interchangeable, protected cabin design, driver assistance systems, and drive-by-wire operation. The new electrical architecture with open systems allows rapid integration of leader-follower, teleoperation, and fully autonomous capabilities, all focusing on protecting the most valuable asset – the soldiers.

Commonality within the family: The HX3-CTT is the new, forward-looking variant of the globally successful HX family of tactical standard vehicles. It is characterized by an extremely high degree of commonality and modularity across different variants: transport, swap body systems, tanker trucks, and long-haul tractor units. The HX family, configurable from 4x4 to 10x10 chassis, can fulfill any military requirement.

Modern commercial technologies in the DNA: The HX3-CTT benefits from significant advancements in commercial vehicle technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. The HX family has been optimized for military use and is therefore ready for immediate deployment. Leveraging commercial technologies reduces costs and obsolescence risks, increases spare parts availability, and simplifies maintenance.

Allied interoperability: The HX family has been sold to 20 customers worldwide, including an active group of allied users. These include the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. This enables the creation of common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key, globally operating allies.

About American Rheinmetall Vehicles

American Rheinmetall Vehicles provides next-generation tactical wheeled vehicles and innovative tracked and wheeled combat vehicles that meet the highest standards. Rheinmetall's cooperative global structure allows for the expansion and strengthening of the industrial base in the USA - now and in the future. American Rheinmetall Vehicles is part of the American Rheinmetall family, which also includes American Rheinmetall Munitions in Stafford, Virginia, American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, Maine, and the American parent company American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, Virginia.