The first ISVs, designed to transport personnel to the battlefield, began to enter the US Army. The vehicle was developed by General Motors Defense based on the Chevy Colorado ZR2 SUV and is designed to carry a 9-man infantry squad. Its developers decided to sacrifice armor protection, relying on high speed and maneuverability.
The first four ISVs arrived Tuesday at GM's Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. According to the initial order, the US Army is to receive 649 vehicles, and under the entire program - 2065 ISVs.
The vehicles will be delivered to the combat area aboard the US Air Force C-130 Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, as well as CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters and on the external sling of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. The ISV will enter service with airborne, mountain, light infantry units and rangers.
The ISV inherited about 90% of the parts from the Chevy Colorado ZR2, in particular the 186-horsepower 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The off-road ZR2 kit, which includes Multimatic shocks and Chevrolet Performance suspension components, provides its flotation.
The complete abandonment of armor in the ISV in favor of mobility and speed is a highly controversial decision, since the soldiers on board are not even protected from rain, let alone from ambush or mines.
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