GM Defense has teamed up with NP Aerospace to jointly present their Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for the British Armed Forces’ Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) initiative. This initiative aims to replace the aging fleet of Land Rovers and Pinzgauers as they are phased out through the 2030s.
The partnership emphasizes the ISV’s proven performance and versatility for various mission profiles, making it a compelling choice for the British military. The ISV is constructed from a significant percentage of commercial-off-the-shelf components and has already been successfully deployed by American and Canadian forces, including operations within Europe.
In this collaboration, the ISV will be available in both standard and utility variants. NP Aerospace will draw upon its expertise in localized and purpose-built vehicle design, which is reinforced by its history of working alongside GM and its roles in other defense vehicle programs in the UK and Canada.
Steve duMont, President of GM Defense, articulated the objective of this partnership, aiming to deliver advanced mobility solutions to the UK armed forces with an emphasis on speed, efficiency, and enhanced capabilities. He highlighted the integration of GM’s extensive investments in mobility research and development, alongside NP Aerospace’s proficiency in armor production, technology integration, as well as vehicle maintenance and support.
The ISV, modeled after General Motors’ Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize pickup truck, boasts a remarkable cargo capacity of up to 3,200 pounds (1,451 kilograms) and can accommodate up to nine personnel. It offers options for equipping with advanced weaponry, including counter-drone laser systems, machine guns, and grenade launchers.
Engineered for versatility, the ISV is powered by a 275-horsepower Duramax turbo diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and includes features such as a rollover protection system and infrared lights. Furthermore, the platform can be easily deployed in the field via heavy-lift helicopters or air-dropped at low velocities from large military transport aircraft.
As military forces seek to modernize their fleets, this partnership positions GM Defense and NP Aerospace at the forefront of the new generation of military mobility solutions.
