The US Air Force is looking to acquire two Tesla Cybertruck s to use as targets for precision missiles during testing and training. The Air Force Test Centre (AFTC) needs these specific vehicles due to the possibility of "unspecified adversaries" using them in the coming days. According to online contracting documents (as seen by The War Zone), the Cybertrucks are part of a larger purchase of 33 target vehicles the AFTC is looking to have delivered to the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The document explained: “Market research was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck by evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies. The study revealed that the Cybertruck’s aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors typically using painted steel or aluminium bodies.” The AFTC's shopping list also includes other sedans, bongo trucks, pickups, and SUVs, though without specific brand requirements.
What US Air Force said about its Tesla Cybertruck requirements
As per the contract documents, the US Air Force explicitly requires Cybertrucks that don’t need to be in working condition, but must be capable of being roll-towed behind another vehicle. The Cybertrucks should also be delivered with all fluids drained.
In the documents, the US Air Force wrote that it “intends to use specific Tesla-manufactured vehicles for target vehicle training flight test events. In the operating theatre, it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks [sic] as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact. Testing needs to mirror real-world situations. The intent of the training is to prep the units for operations by simulating scenarios as closely as possible to the real-world situations.”
“Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [redacted] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck,” the document added.
The report also claimed that the primary purpose of all these vehicles is to support the US Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program and related training. This program includes various air-launched precision-guided missiles like the AGM-114 Hellfire and the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM).
The Cybertruck is known for its bullet-resistant design, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made "apocalypse-proof" claims for the vehicle. However, it has faced criticism over performance, safety, build quality, and ownership terms. Despite its $80,000 price tag, it has seen recalls, controversies, and reports of declining sales.
What US Air Force said about its Tesla Cybertruck requirements
As per the contract documents, the US Air Force explicitly requires Cybertrucks that don’t need to be in working condition, but must be capable of being roll-towed behind another vehicle. The Cybertrucks should also be delivered with all fluids drained.
In the documents, the US Air Force wrote that it “intends to use specific Tesla-manufactured vehicles for target vehicle training flight test events. In the operating theatre, it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks [sic] as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact. Testing needs to mirror real-world situations. The intent of the training is to prep the units for operations by simulating scenarios as closely as possible to the real-world situations.”
“Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [redacted] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck,” the document added.
The report also claimed that the primary purpose of all these vehicles is to support the US Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program and related training. This program includes various air-launched precision-guided missiles like the AGM-114 Hellfire and the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM).
The Cybertruck is known for its bullet-resistant design, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made "apocalypse-proof" claims for the vehicle. However, it has faced criticism over performance, safety, build quality, and ownership terms. Despite its $80,000 price tag, it has seen recalls, controversies, and reports of declining sales.
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