ALLENTOWN, PA – (Dec. 12, 2023)- Mack Defense announced today that it has teamed with BAE Systems, a leader in heavy-duty electric propulsion, to deliver an alternative-propulsion solution for the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army for testing. BAE Systems supplied its Gen3 propulsion and accessories power management systems to Mack Defense for integration on the truck variants to drastically reduce fuel demand.
“The U.S. Army requested industry to provide solutions to maximize operational efficiency of the Common Tactical Truck in areas such as fuel demand reduction in order to help inform the final requirements for the program,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “BAE Systems brings extensive experience in electrified propulsion technologies for commercial and military platforms – delivering a best-in-class solution for this program.”
BAE Systems’ Gen3 solution includes an electric motor/generator and innovative power electronics to create a more efficient mode of transportation for the trucks. The company’s latest electric drive technology uses advanced materials, such as silicon carbide, and increases electrical efficiency for enhanced vehicle performance. This system provides improved fuel economy for the vehicles, an extended anti-idle operation capability and exportable power.
BAE Systems has more than 25 years of experience developing and integrating electric propulsion systems for transit buses, boats, heavy-duty trucks, and military vehicles. The company has more than 16,000 power and propulsion systems in operation worldwide. BAE Systems has fielded similar systems to other Volvo Group companies, and Mack Defense has been able to leverage this experience and apply it to the CTT program.
“Our next-generation system leverages advanced technologies and proven, commercial-based components which will help modernize the U.S. Army’s Tactical Truck fleet,” said Bob Lamanna, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems’ scalable design is a future-proof solution, which will not only improve fuel efficiency, but also provide the U.S. Army with a higher level of commonality, allowing for the quick integration of emerging capabilities.”
Mack Defense received a prototype contract for the first phase in the U.S. Army’s CTT program in January 2023. The prototypes will be tested and evaluated to determine the final requirements for the next generation of trucks to begin modernization and replacement of the U.S. Army’s fleet of approximately 35,000 heavy tactical trucks, which perform a wide range of combat logistics, support and service support missions.
Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.
Mack Defense, LLC, is part of the Volvo Group, which is driving prosperity through transport solutions by offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase customer uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs about 100,000 people and serves customers in more than 190 markets. In 2022, net sales amounted to about $47 billion. Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com.
This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction Authority number W15QKN-17-9-1025 with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Government purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation herein. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.