Latest news with #SOCOM
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
US Air Force eyes ‘apocalypse-proof' Tesla Cybertrucks; here's why
Synopsis The US Air Force plans to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks to serve as missile targets during precision testing, driven by concerns that adversaries might adopt similar vehicles. The Cybertruck's unique design, stainless steel exoskeleton, and advanced electrical system make it a relevant training target. This acquisition is linked to SOCOM's missile program, aiming to simulate real-world scenarios. Agencies Elon Musk's Tesla Cybertruck The US Air Force is looking to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks — not for transportation, but to use as missile targets during precision testing and to contracting documents reviewed by The War Zone, the Air Force Test Centre (AFTC) wants the vehicles because of the possibility that 'unspecified adversaries' could deploy similar models in the near future. The Cybertrucks are part of a larger order of 33 target vehicles to be delivered to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, alongside sedans, pickups, SUVs, and bongo trucks, though without specific brand requirements for other types.'Market research was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck by evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies,' the document stated. '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 Air Force's contract specifications note that the Cybertrucks need not be in working condition but must be capable of being roll-towed. They should be delivered with all fluids document explains that the service '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.'It also cites the vehicle's electrical system: '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 request is linked to the US Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program, which includes air-launched missiles such as the AGM-114 Hellfire and the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition. Tesla's Cybertruck, touted by CEO Elon Musk as 'apocalypse-proof' and known for its bullet-resistant stainless steel design, has attracted both praise and criticism since its release. Despite its $80,000 price tag, it has faced recalls, quality concerns, and slowing sales.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
US Air Force eyes ‘apocalypse-proof' Tesla Cybertrucks; here's why
The US Air Force is looking to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks — not for transportation, but to use as missile targets during precision testing and training. According to contracting documents reviewed by The War Zone, the Air Force Test Centre (AFTC) wants the vehicles because of the possibility that 'unspecified adversaries' could deploy similar models in the near future. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program The Cybertrucks are part of a larger order of 33 target vehicles to be delivered to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, alongside sedans, pickups, SUVs, and bongo trucks, though without specific brand requirements for other types. 'Market research was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck by evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies,' the document stated. '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.' Live Events 'Training needs to mirror real-world situations' The Air Force's contract specifications note that the Cybertrucks need not be in working condition but must be capable of being roll-towed. They should be delivered with all fluids drained. The document explains that the service '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.' It also cites the vehicle's electrical system: '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.' Part of SOCOM missile program The request is linked to the US Special Operations Command 's (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program, which includes air-launched missiles such as the AGM-114 Hellfire and the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition. Tesla's Cybertruck, touted by CEO Elon Musk as 'apocalypse-proof' and known for its bullet-resistant stainless steel design, has attracted both praise and criticism since its release. Despite its $80,000 price tag, it has faced recalls, quality concerns, and slowing sales.
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
The Air Force Wants to Use Cybertrucks for Target Practice
The U.S. Air Force seems to have finally found a good use for Elon Musk's Tesla Cybertrucks: blowing them up with missiles. The War Zone was first to spot that America's aerial defense wing plans to purchase two of Tesla's rolling heaps of metal for 'use as targets for precision munitions during testing and training.' Associated contracting documents seem to imply that America's 'enemies' may soon be using Cybertrucks and that, as a result, the Air Force needs to practice shooting at them. The cars are two of 33 (including Bongo trucks, pickups, and SUVs) that the government hopes to buy and transport to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where they will support the mission of the U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program, TWZ writes. The contract, which is available online, claims Elon's cars will be used 'for target vehicle training flight test events,' noting that in 'the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.' The document adds: '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.' It's unclear what 'enemies' the Air Force is referring to (some parts of the document are redacted), but it's funny to imagine the Cybertruck becoming the favored vehicle of terrorists and non-state actors. The document further notes the unique attributes of the Cybertruck, explaining that, in February: …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 aluminum bodies. Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Is it these unique attributes that might make the car appealing to America's foes? It's unclear from the document. Gizmodo reached out to the Air Force for more information and to Tesla for comment. Musk's latest vehicular 'innovation' has mostly been a commercial failure, so it seems appropriate that one of the clearest use-cases for it—aside from contributing to local traffic congestion—is state-mandated obliteration. Tesla had reportedly planned for a production capacity of 250,000 trucks per year but sold less than 40,000 units in 2024, according to estimates from Cox Automotive. The model has limped along with anemic sales this year, having reportedly only sold some 7,100 during Q1. The car has been called a 'flop,' a 'failure,' and 'the stupidest vehicle ever designed,' among other things. In recent months, the company has begun to make special offers to potential buyers, as a way to potentially sweeten the deal. A recent report claimed that, amidst the truck's commercial failure, Tesla has recently been considering developing a smaller truck.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Cybertrucks Wanted By Air Force As Missile Targets
The U.S. Air Force is looking to buy two Tesla Cybertrucks for use as targets for precision munitions during testing and training. The service says it needs these vehicles for this purpose specifically because of the prospect of unspecified adversaries driving around in them in the future. The Cybertrucks are among 33 target vehicles the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is looking to acquire and have delivered to the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, according to contracting documents recently posted online. WSMR is run by the U.S. Army, but the Air Force has a significant presence there. There are no name-brand requirements for the other sedans, bongo trucks, pickups, and SUVs, that are also on AFTC's shopping list. The primary intended use of all of the target vehicles is in support of U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program and related training. SOPGM covers multiple special operations-specific air-launched precision-guided munitions, including multiple variants of the AGM-114 Hellfire, the AGM-176 Griffin missile, the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM), and the GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bomb (LSDB). The explicit requirement for the Cybertrucks – which do not need to be in running condition, but do need to be able to roll towed behind another vehicle – requires a formal sole-source justification, a redacted copy of which is among the documents that AFTC has shared online. 'On 13 February 2025, 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 aluminum bodies,' the justification document explains. '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.' More importantly, '[redacted] intends to uses [sic] 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,' it adds. '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.' The document does not elaborate on the 'operating theatre' or 'the enemy' in question, and TWZ has reached out to the Air Force for more information. Tesla effectively eliminated its public relations department years ago, but we have also reached out to its investor relations department for comment. As of this spring, an estimated 46,000 Cybertrucks have been sold to date, though the exact number is unclear. Currently, Tesla only offers Cybertrucks for sale in North America, though examples have been exported elsewhere in the world. Tesla did announce in April that it was planning to start direct sales in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar before the end of the year. Without more context, it is hard to say what may have prompted the belief that U.S. adversaries might soon be driving Cybertrucks. It is worth noting that the primary targets for SOCOM's SOPGM arsenal, at least as they are publicly known, have been terrorists and militants, especially ones riding in cars and trucks, in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and parts of Africa. The Cybertruck's windows and side panels have been shown to be bullet-resistant, stopping subsonic pistol caliber rounds, something that was heavily touted with the vehicle was first unveiled in 2019. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has described the vehicle, which has a retail price starting at around $80,000, as being 'apocalypse-proof' in the past. At the same time, the Cybertruck has been dogged by recalls, controversies, and criticism over its actual performance, features (or lack thereof), safety issues, build quality, ownership terms of service, and more. There have been reports this year of flagging sales. TWZ did previously lay out a detailed case for a militarized uncrewed version of the Cybertruck, which you can find here. Multiple companies are now offering Cybertrucks with add-on armor and other features aimed at prospective law enforcement, military, and private security customers. There have been some sales of Cybertrucks to law enforcement agencies, including the Dubai Police. The U.S. State Department made headlines earlier this year over a possible purchase of Cybertrucks, a plan it subsequently said had been shelved indefinitely. The Dubai Police General Command has added the Tesla Cybertruck, the modern electric car with a futuristic design, to its tourist police luxury patrol fleet. — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) June 16, 2024 Last year, Ramzan Kadyrov, the dictatorial head of Russia's semi-autonomous Chechen Republic, also showed off several Cybertrucks with 12.7mm machine guns mounted in the back and claimed to have sent some of them to join the fighting in Ukraine. How and where Kadyrov, who the U.S. government and others have sanctioned, acquired the vehicles is unclear. He later claimed that Tesla had remotely disabled at least one of them. Kadyrov of Chechnya published a video with Tesla Cybertruck with a machinegun installed — Liveuamap (@Liveuamap) August 17, 2024 After complaining Elon Musk remotely disabled his souped-up Cybertruck, Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov claims he has sent two more that Tesla couldn't turn says he sent them to the "zone of the special operation" in Ukraine. This was presumably filmed elsewhere. — max seddon (@maxseddon) September 20, 2024 What we do know is that the Air Force is looking to buy a pair of Cybertrucks to fire missiles and bombs during testing and training events based on the possibility that American forces may encounter enemies driving them going forward. Contact the author: joe@
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AGM-114 Hellfire Missile Getting Articulated Warhead Capable Of Blasting In Different Directions
A new variant of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile with a warhead that can be set to focus its blast in different directions depending on the target is in the works for the U.S. special operations community. U.S. Air Force special operations MQ-9 Reaper drones and AC-130J Ghostrider gunships are set to be the launch platforms, at least initially, for the Selectable Precision Effects Articulated (SPEAR) version of the Hellfire. Details about the SPEAR warhead are tucked away in the Pentagon's 2026 Fiscal Year budget request. Other budget documents show that U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has been testing SPEAR since at least 2021. The development of the new warhead has been conducted as part of SOCOM's larger Stand-off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program, which includes special operations-specific Hellfire variants and a number of other air-launched munitions. Within the U.S. special operations community, Hellfire missiles are known to currently be employed from MQ-9 and MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones, as well as AC-130Js. The video below shows an AC-130J firing Hellfires, as well as other weapons. A 'FY2026 increase [in requested funding for SOPGM] is due to an overall increase in the cost to provide Hellfire with a Selectable Precision Effects Articulated (SPEAR) warhead,' the Pentagon's latest budget proposal explains. SOCOM is asking for $49.972 million for SOPGM in the upcoming fiscal cycle, $2.643 million more than it received for the program in Fiscal Year 2025. The boost in funding will also support procurement of new Small Cruise Missiles (SCM) to arm the AC-130J, which you can read about more here. 'The SPEAR warhead is a dual-mode warhead (Forward/ Radial) that allows the user to select different firing modes (Radial or forward blast) depending on the targets,' the budget documents add. 'This new variant will be integrated on both the AC-130 Gunship and the MQ-9 Platforms.' How exactly the warhead is 'articulated,' including whether or not it physically moves inside the missile body when switching between the forward and radial modes, is unclear. No further details about the kinds of effects the warhead is designed to produce in either mode (blast-fragmentation, overpressure, etc) are provided. TWZ has reached out to SOCOM for more information. Regardless, the SPEAR warhead is clearly designed to give a single Hellfire missile added flexibility against different target sets. The standard warhead for the AGM-114R Hellfire, the predominant version in U.S. service today, consists of a shaped charge surrounded by a fragmentation 'sleeve' that sends out a cloud of deadly shrapnel upon detonation. This is billed as a multi-purpose warhead suitable for use against a wide variety of targets, including armored and unarmored vehicles, small boats, structures, and personnel in the open. However, the shaped charge component is fixed in a forward-facing position, while the design of the sleeve would give the fragmentation effect a radial pattern. Being able to better focus the effects of the warhead forward or in a radial direction on command could be advantageous in various scenarios. For instance, air-bursting top-down attacks offer benefits against targets in trenches or behind hard cover, especially troops and softer-skinned vehicles. A radial effect could also be more desirable for engaging certain targets inside buildings. At the same time, SPEAR's 'articulated' design would still preserve the ability to focus the blast effect forward for more traditional point attacks on targets like vehicles or boats. In general, being able to more precisely focus the warhead's blast could also help reduce collateral damage. The SPEAR warhead also offers magazine depth benefits since a launch platform would not have to carry a mixed load of Hellfires to offer the same breadth of effects. This, in turn, would eliminate the potentially hard choice about whether or not to employ a particular version of the missile during a sortie for fear of not having that option later on. More flexibility in ordnance loadout would make it easier to respond in the most effective way possible to threats or targets of opportunity that might suddenly appear, as well. The Air Force special operations MQ-9s and AC-130Js that are expected to be the first armed with these new Hellfires routinely conduct very long-duration sorties, including ones where hours are spent waiting for the best moment to launch a targeted strike or providing critical overwatch for forces on the ground. SOCOM is certainly already well known for fielding an array of specialized Hellfires, including ones designed to substantially limit the risk of collateral damage during targeted strikes, particularly against specific individuals. The best known of these variants is the still highly classified AGM-114R9X, which has garnered nicknames like the 'Flying Ginsu' and 'Ninja Bomb' on account of it having an array of pop-out sword-like blades rather than a traditional high-explosive warhead. Apparently, the US carried out a new assassination strike in Idlib Governorate of Syria on remains of the R9X Hellfire missile were found at the scene of the strike on the road between Kafr Takharim and Armanaz in northern part of Idlib region. These missiles are… — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) December 17, 2024 In March, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released the first-ever video, seen below, of an R9X Hellfire being employed, in this case in a strike targeting a member of Al Qaeda's franchise in Syria. TWZ was the first to identify the weapon's unique impact signature back in 2017, following another strike in Syria. 'Ginsu' Hellfires have also reportedly been used against targets in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Yemen. CENTCOM Forces Kill the Senior Military Leader of Al-Qaeda Affiliate Hurras al-Din (HaD) in SyriaOn Feb. 23, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, targeting and killing Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, the senior military leader of… — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2025 At least three other Hellfire designations – AGM-114R9E, R9G, and R9H – have been linked to low collateral damage variants in SOCOM's SOPGM arsenal, though details about their specific configurations are limited, as you can read more about here. All this being said, it would not be hard to see Hellfires with SPEAR warheads migrating to other platforms outside of the U.S. special operations community. In addition, Hellfire missiles, the majority of which are laser-guided munitions, are best known as air-to-ground weapons, but the millimeter wave radar-guided AGM-114L Longbow variant has emerged as a useful tool for tackling drones in recent years. A warhead with selectable directional effects would offer advantages in the anti-air role. The SPEAR warhead itself, or new designs leveraging the design, could find their way into other munitions. The AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), which is expected to eventually supplant the Hellfire in U.S. service, is notably derived from the AGM-114R and uses the same multi-purpose warhead. It's also interesting to note here that the U.S. Air Force has been testing heavily modified AGM-114s with entirely new, fully articulating nose sections as part of its Missile Utility Transformation via Articulated Nose Technology (MUTANT) project. MUTANT has been exploring whether this technology could help improve the probability of a missile scoring a kill against an aerial target. The Air Force has stressed that Hellfire is currently being used mostly because it is a readily available design, and that it is not necessarily a direct path to an operational munition. Whether there has been any interest in exploring how the MUTANT technology could apply in an air-to-ground context is unknown. In the meantime, SOCOM is at least moving forward with plans to arm MQ-9s and AC-130Js with new Hellfires carrying SPEAR warheads. Contact the author: joe@
