Mack Defense announced it has teamed up with BAE Systems, which specializes in heavy-duty electric propulsion systems, to deliver an alternative-propulsion product for the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army for testing. (PHOTO CREDIT: MACK DEFENSE VIA BAE SYSTEMS)

BAE Picked for Propulsion System On U.S. Army Truck Prototypes

By Eric Reinhardt, The Central New York Business Journal

January 8, 2024

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — A Pennsylvania manufacturer has chosen BAE Systems to provide its alternative-propulsion product for common tactical truck (CTT) prototype vehicles that the U.S Army is testing.

BAE Systems supplied its Gen3 propulsion and accessories power-management systems to Mack Defense of Allentown, Pennsylvania for integration on the truck variants to sharply cut fuel demand, according to a BAE Systems announcement on Dec. 12.

“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,” David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense, said in a release. “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 product includes an electric motor and generator and 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 improved vehicle performance, BAE said.

This system provides enhanced fuel economy for the vehicles, an extended anti-idle operation capability and exportable power.

BAE Systems says it 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, per the BAE announcement.

“Our next-generation system leverages advanced technologies and proven, commercial-based components which will help modernize the U.S. Army’s Tactical Truck fleet,” Bob Lamanna, VP and general manager of power & propulsion solutions at BAE Systems, said in the release. “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 about 35,000 heavy tactical trucks, which perform combat logistics, support, and service support missions.