The Future of Light Tactical Vehicles: Powering Advanced Payloads at AUSA 2023
At the recent Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense expo in Washington, DC, light tactical vehicles showcased an impressive array of payloads that hint at the evolution of military capabilities. A lingering question emerged amid the displays: What powers these advanced systems? Zona Military engaged with representatives from various defense companies to shed light on this critical issue.
Diverse Payloads for Modern Warfare
The landscape of light tactical vehicles is rapidly transforming, with an expansion in the types of payloads they can accommodate. These units are no longer just about transportation; they are becoming modular platforms equipped with remote weapons systems, electronic warfare systems, and drone launchers. Additionally, many now feature technologies aimed at countering drone threats.
Beyond combat systems, these vehicles are also fitted with command and communication systems, along with advanced radars and sensors designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. This versatility underscores the military’s evolving requirements as they adapt to contemporary operational realities.
Highlighting Innovations by GM-Defense and Polaris
Among the exhibitors, GM-Defense received attention for its infantry squad vehicles (ISVs), each available in various payload configurations. One notable example, the ISV-Utility, integrates the Vampire counter-drone system developed by L3Harris. Another exhibit featured the innovative Black Recon Modular Mission Payload created by Teledyne FLIR Defense. Meanwhile, Polaris, renowned for its MRZR Alpha and MRZR Diesel vehicles, frequently showcases a range of payloads on these platforms, illustrating their adaptability to diverse mission needs.
Power-Export Capabilities Shaping Future Designs
The emergence of vehicles equipped with power-export capabilities marks a significant advancement in military technology. At the recent Modern Day Marine 2025 expo, Polaris announced that its MRZR Alpha series has begun production, introducing a baseline version capable of delivering 1 kilowatt of exportable power. The company has also announced plans for a version that will provide five kilowatts of output, emphasizing the increasing demand for power within tactical operations.
John LaFata, the engineering manager at Polaris Government and Defense, emphasized the importance of this development. “Every MRZR Alpha vehicle now delivers 1kW of exportable power at a 24V standard,” he stated. This initiative was set in motion in the second quarter of 2023 and has already attracted orders from both domestic and international military clients. The anticipated five-kilowatt version aims to support more power-hungry systems essential for critical operations such as communications and air defense.
Advanced Power Solutions from GM Defense
Building on this theme, GM Defense also demonstrated an ISV-Utility equipped with onboard mission power capabilities, which effectively offers power production, storage, and distribution functionalities when required. Additionally, the company is developing the Electric Military Concept Vehicle (eISV), derived from the existing ISV-9 model, which will come equipped with substantial stored and exportable power for mission-specific integrations.
Addressing Power Consumption Challenges
As the variety and complexity of payloads increase, so do the challenges related to power consumption. Bob Herman, Senior Director at Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Customer R&D Programs, remarked on their efforts to create modular systems that can be adapted to various mission requirements while remaining within feasible power limits. Their NBCRV Sensor Suite Upgrade, for instance, has already been integrated into several vehicle platforms, including the Stryker and multiple unmanned ground vehicles.
Moreover, companies are investing in advanced battery management technologies to maximize power utilization in rigorous operational environments. Black Knight Group, serving as the U.S. representative for SFC, is producing the EMILY 3000 fuel cell. This system is already in use across several European nations and has proven effective for UK forces for nearly a decade.
The Promise of the EMILY 3000 Fuel Cell
Though the U.S. military has yet to adopt the EMILY 3000, industry experts predict its future implementation, especially as light tactical vehicles begin to integrate more energy-demanding payloads. Baillie highlighted the fuel cell’s advantages, which include its near-silent operation and minimal acoustic and thermal signatures—features that make it particularly suitable for covert operations. Weighing in at around 12 kilograms, the EMILY 3000 enhances power output in lightweight tactical vehicles without compromising agility.
This fuel cell system has demonstrated its capabilities on Polaris MRZR D and MRZR Alpha vehicles. A partnership between SFC and Polaris was showcased at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week expo, where the EMILY 3000 was presented as an accessory for the MRZR D.
Evolving Military Operations Require New Solutions
As military operations grow more complex, the increasing demand for powerful payloads in light tactical vehicles highlights the necessity of both exportable energy solutions and sophisticated power management systems. This rapidly emerging market deserves attention as it evolves, offering a glimpse into the future of military technology and battlefield strategies.