AM General makes a resounding entry into the defense vehicle landscape with the unveiling of the CHIEFTAIN, a groundbreaking addition to their Partner Vehicles series. Branded as an Extreme Tactical Security Vehicle (ETSV), the CHIEFTAIN stands as a testament to innovative design and cutting-edge technology. Positioned alongside the Arquus BASTION armored personnel carrier, the CHIEFTAIN boasts a four-person double cab pickup truck featuring an armored crew cell. AM General proudly touts its readiness for Special Operations and National Guard deployment, emphasizing adaptability across various defense scenarios. With a GVW of 5670kg and a kerb weight of 4626kg, accommodating a potential payload of over a metric tonne, this armored cab truck promises unparalleled strength.
Even with four heavily equipped individuals aboard, the cargo capacity remains substantial, underscoring its practicality in high-stakes operations.Powered by a 4.5-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine coupled with a 6-speed Allison transmission, the CHIEFTAIN offers versatile drive options – 4×4 or 4×2 in high range, as well as 4×4 low range through a transfer box. Equipped with locking differentials on both axles, its enhanced engine, torque, and braking systems outmatch typical commercial-off-the-shelf solutions, ensuring superior performance in demanding conditions. Moreover, the vehicle’s proven chassis and armored cell, refined through nearly a decade of combat utilization, provide reliability and versatility while boasting the lowest sustainment cost in its class.
The CHIEFTAIN’s features are nothing short of comprehensive. From multiple pintle points for heavy and light machine guns to internal personal weapon stowage, pre-wiring for communication systems, and a validated operating temperature range from -32°C to +57.7°C, it’s engineered to excel in varied terrains and climates. This vehicle isn’t just a means of transport; it’s a sophisticated communication hub prepped for battle with provisions for ECM systems, FLIR tower, and accommodation for various radio configurations. Its agility and off-road prowess, combined with validated performance at extreme altitudes and seamless fording capabilities, exemplify its adaptability in mission-critical situations.
AM General is an American heavy vehicle and contract automotive manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. It is best known for the civilian Hummer and the military Humvee that are assembled in Mishawaka, Indiana. For a relatively brief period, 1974–1979, the company also manufactured transit buses, making more than 5,400 of them. In 1984 AM General built a separate factory at 13200 McKinley Hwy in Mishawaka for HMMWV production. In 1992 AM General began marketing the HMMWV to the civilian market under the Hummer brand. For over 100 years, AM General and its heritage companies have built more than 1 million vehicles, including delivering 300,000+ light tactical vehicles to more than 70 countries.
