GM Defense Delivers First Colorado ZR2-Based Infantry Squad Vehicle To US Army

GM Defense has delivered the first Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) to the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million contract awarded in June.

In total, GM Defense will manufacture 649 ISVs and support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years. This is a big deal for GM as it marks the first major award and delivery for GM Defense since the subsidiary was reestablished in 2017.

The ISV is a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-soldier infantry squad and their equipment. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck architecture, the Infantry Squad Vehicle leverages 90 percent proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components.

The expeditionary ISV is engineered to fulfill military requirements and designed to provide rapid ground mobility. Weighing in at 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), it 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.

Powering the ISV is the GM Duramax 2.8L turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with a performance tune producing “significantly more power” than in stock configuration. On the Colorado ZR2, the engine makes 186 HP and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Chevrolet Performance race components include the long-travel Multimatic DSSV dampers, jounce shocks, long-travel rear leaf springs, high-angle upper control arms, ball-spline half shafts, steel drive shaft, underbody skid plates, cooling system and 35-inch diameter tires.

According to GM Defense, the COTS parts, combined with the ISV’s innovative Rollover Protection System, “will provide agile transportability on the battlefield to support mission success.” For the ISV project, GM Defense has an agreement with Ricardo Defense, which will lead the Integrated Product Support for the ISV. This includes technical manual development, new equipment training, provisioning, total package fielding and field service support.

“One hundred and twenty days from contract award to delivery is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team for this accomplishment,” said David Albritton, president of GM Defense. “We’re leveraging General Motors’ engineering prowess and immense manufacturing capabilities to bring transformative solutions to the military vehicle market.”