The US Air Force is currently causing a stir: It wants to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks – not for deployment, but to subject them to gunfire. The goal is to test the effectiveness of special precision weapons against vehicles with particularly robust construction.
Why the Tesla Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck is characterized by its steel-reinforced exoskeleton, its high impact resistance, and innovative technologies such as the 48-volt architecture. According to the Air Force Training Center (AFTC), this construction offers higher resistance and superior energy efficiency compared to conventional pickups.
These very characteristics make it interesting for the tests:
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Design & Materials: Stainless steel body with high impact and bullet resistance
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Innovative Technology: 48-volt system for more efficiency
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High Resilience: less damage from massive impacts compared to conventional vehicles
Test Procedure
The two Cybertrucks will be delivered along with over 30 other target objects to the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. There, they will serve the SOPGM program (Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions) of the US Special Forces, where the following will be tested, among others:
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AGM-114 Hellfire
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AGM-176 Griffin
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GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition
The vehicles do not need to be operational – the only important thing is that they are rollable so they can be moved or towed during the tests.
Realistic Deployment Simulations
The AFTC explains that these tests are meant to reflect real deployment scenarios. In conflict zones, armed groups often use pickups – and the Cybertruck could also appear in such roles in the future due to its protection against gunfire.
Tesla itself had already demonstrated at the 2023 delivery event that the Cybertruck's body and windows withstand gunfire. This very characteristic also makes it interesting for military training purposes.
Outlook
For Tesla fans in Europe, this news is mainly an exciting side note: The Cybertruck is not yet officially available here, but remains a symbol of innovative vehicle technology – even beyond civilian use.
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