Military acquires two Tesla Cybertrucks for analysis and potential destruction purposes
U.S. Air Force to Utilize Tesla Cybertrucks as Training Targets
The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to use Tesla's Cybertrucks as targets for missile testing and training, acknowledging the vehicle's unique characteristics and potential use by adversaries on future battlefields.
The Cybertruck's angular, futuristic design and stainless steel exoskeleton make it more resistant to typical damage patterns, providing a more accurate simulation of real-world conditions. This is especially important for the Air Force, as they aim to prepare units for battlefield scenarios involving these vehicles.
Under the U.S. Special Operations Command's Standoff Precision Guided Munitions program, the Air Force is procuring two Cybertrucks for use in precision munitions testing programs at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The goal is to replicate battlefield situations involving Cybertrucks, which could potentially be used by enemies and challenge the effectiveness of existing weapons.
The Cybertrucks required by the Air Force do not need to be fully operational. Instead, they must be intact and capable of moving on their wheels. The focus is on their structural features rather than their drivability.
Besides the Cybertrucks, the Air Force is also seeking five SUVs, five pickup trucks, and three Bongo trucks for these tests and training.
The Air Force has expressed interest in understanding the behavior of Cybertruck batteries when they meet a missile, potentially to avoid collateral damage. The Cybertruck's lithium-ion batteries are known to burn fiercely, and the Air Force may be concerned about potential battery fires.
However, the Air Force has been surprised by the Cybertruck's perceived durability, given Tesla's acknowledgement of software glitches, faulty drive inverters, and parts falling off due to inadequate adhesive. To mitigate these concerns, the Air Force requires that all fluids be drained and batteries removed from the Cybertrucks before delivery.
The U.S. Air Force has posted a contract opportunity seeking 33 "target vehicles" for these tests and training, including the 18 sedans with sunroofs, six white, six black, and the rest blue or green, along with the Cybertrucks, SUVs, pickup trucks, and Bongo trucks.
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- AI and software could play a significant role in simulating the cybertruck's performance during missile testing, providing a more accurate assessment of potential threats posed by enemy smartphones or other gadgets controlled remotely.
- The unique characteristics of the Cybertruck, a symbol of cutting-edge technology, might inspire developers to create new AI-driven software for autonomous gadgets, smartphones, and vehicles that could pose challenges for the military in the near future.
