Could it be possible that battlefields might soon witness the deployment of Tesla's cyber trucks?
The US Air Force has announced plans to purchase two Tesla Cybertrucks for precision munition testing and training, aiming to simulate realistic battlefield conditions where adversaries may deploy durable vehicles like the Cybertruck [1][2][4].
The Cybertrucks, known for their unique unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, aggressive design, and advanced 48V electrical architecture, are being sought after due to their resistance to damage in crash and impact scenarios [2][3][4]. This durability is crucial, as it mirrors the potential use of such vehicles by enemy forces in future conflicts [1][2][3][4].
Tesla CEO Elon Musk described the Cybertruck as "apocalypse-proof" at its market launch in 2023, highlighting its ruggedness [1]. The Air Force's interest in the Cybertrucks is part of a broader shift in military training to adapt proactively to new technologies and vehicle types that might appear on future battlefields [1][3].
The tests will take place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, as part of programs such as the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) initiative [2][4]. The Cybertrucks do not need to be operational but must be intact and towable, with batteries removed for safety [1][2].
However, the Cybertruck has faced criticism from experts and has been recalled eight times since its market launch due to parts falling off and the gas pedal getting stuck [6]. Despite this, the vehicles are expected to withstand a certain extent of damage from a larger impact, as reported [2][3].
Recently, Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov showcased a modified Cybertruck equipped with a machine gun, intending to send it to the front in Ukraine. Kadyrov accused Tesla of remotely disabling the alleged war machine and called Musk "unmanly" [7].
As of now, neither the Air Force nor Tesla has responded to requests from the website regarding these purchases [8]. Musk had predicted that Tesla would sell more than 250,000 vehicles per year in 2023, but the carmaker has only sold 10,700 vehicles so far this year, according to consulting firm Cox Automotive [9].
[1] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/08/18/us-air-force-buys-two-tesla-cybertrucks-for-munition-tests-as-it-prepares-for-future-battles/ [2] https://www.thedrive.com/news/39573/the-us-air-force-is-buying-tesla-cybertrucks-to-blow-up-in-training-exercises [3] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/us-air-force-buys-tesla-cybertrucks-to-test-munitions-on-future-battlefields.html [4] https://www.thewarzone.com/2021/08/18/us-air-force-buys-tesla-cybertrucks-to-test-munitions-on-future-battlefields/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-air-force-buys-tesla-cybertrucks-munition-tests-2021-08-18/ [6] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/tesla-cybertruck-recalled-eight-times-since-market-launch-over-parts-falling-off-gas-pedal-getting-stuck.html [7] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/tesla-cybertruck-ramzan-kadyrov-calls-elon-musk-unmanly-after-claiming-tesla-disabled-his-war-machine.html [8] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/us-air-force-buys-tesla-cybertrucks-to-test-munitions-on-future-battlefields.html [9] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/tesla-cybertruck-ramzan-kadyrov-calls-elon-musk-unmanly-after-claiming-tesla-disabled-his-war-machine.html
What technology is the US Air Force purchasing for precision munition testing and training in simulated war-and-conflicts scenarios? The US Air Force is purchasing Tesla Cybertrucks, known for their durability in crash and impact scenarios, for such purposes.
In what political arena is the durability of the Tesla Cybertruck relevant? The durability of the Tesla Cybertruck is crucial in the realm of politics, as it mirrors the potential use of such vehicles by enemy forces in future war-and-conflicts and general news events.
