Now here’s something you don’t see every day. GM Defense has turned a Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD into an unmanned military vehicle designed to haul supplies and evacuate casualties.

Unveiled at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) concept uses the heavy-duty pickup’s dual-rear-wheel skateboard architecture as the foundation for a vehicle designed to operate without an onboard crew.

GM Defense says the Silverado-based machine is intended for silent logistics and casualty evacuation, putting the familiar pickup platform to work in a very different environment from the road or worksite.

Exactly how it will operate remains unclear. GM Defense has yet to release detailed specifications or explain its control systems, powertrain, range or payload capacity. Functional trials are targeted for 2027.

The concept reflects GM Defense’s approach of adapting existing General Motors technology for military applications, rather than starting from scratch with an entirely new vehicle platform.

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“The modern defense landscape demands advanced capability, rapid fielding and sustainable scale,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We do not begin with a blank sheet of paper. By transferring GM’s world-class engineering, supply chain and manufacturing scale directly to the service member, we are transforming customer needs into mission-ready capability faster than ever before.”

The Silverado-based UGV is one example of how the company intends to transfer commercial vehicle engineering and manufacturing expertise into military use. Using an established vehicle architecture could help streamline development, although GM Defense has not disclosed a timeline for potential deployment beyond the planned 2027 functional trials.

Back in 2021, GM Defense developed the US Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Using around 70 per cent commercially available components, the diesel-powered off-roader was designed to carry nine soldiers and their gear across challenging terrain, with Multimatic DSSV dampers, long-travel rear suspension and helicopter transport capability.

GM Defense is a subsidiary of General Motors that develops vehicles, power and propulsion systems, autonomy and connectivity solutions for defence, security and government customers.

Quickfire FAQs

What is the Chevrolet Silverado military vehicle?

It’s an unmanned ground vehicle concept developed by GM Defense using the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD platform.

What is the Silverado UGV designed to do?

It’s designed to support military logistics and casualty evacuation.

Does the military Silverado have a driver?

No, the concept is designed to operate without an onboard crew.

When will the Silverado military vehicle be tested?

GM Defense is targeting functional trials for 2027.

Who makes the unmanned Silverado?

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors specialising in vehicles and technology for defence and government customers.

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