Ford's Super Duty Could Become The US Army's Next Tactical Truck

Key Takeaways

• Ford holds a Defense Department contract to build three ISV-Heavy prototypes based on the F-Series Super Duty.
• Each ISV-H must travel 250 miles on three-quarters of a fuel tank and separately cover 62 miles in eight hours under a mission profile.
• Trucks must supply up to 60 kW of continuous high-voltage DC export power, plus lower-voltage outputs, effectively turning them into power banks on wheels.
• The Army is eyeing a potential buy of more than 600 ISV-H trucks, which would be Ford’s largest US military truck order in years if the Super Duty wins.
• Ford’s approach starts with a Super Duty ladder frame, existing engines and transmissions, and a cab and bed reworked for military tasks rather than weekend towing or jobsite hauling.

What Makes The ISV-Heavy Program Important?

The US Army’s new Heavy Infantry Squad Vehicle program is a significant opportunity for Ford, with a potential order of over 600 trucks. The program requires a medium tactical truck that can haul soldiers and gear over bad roads while feeding power-hungry drones, sensors, radios, and command gear.

The builder that nails range, exportable power, and durability could land a sizable production deal, and Ford’s Super Duty-based entry hints at where the next generation of hard-use trucks might be headed.

This program is not just about building a military truck, but also about creating a mobile generator and troop hauler that can serve as a power bank on wheels.

What The Army Wants From The New ISV-Heavy

The Army’s wish list is tight and specific. Every ISV-H has to travel 250 miles on three-quarters of a fuel tank, then separately cover 62 miles in eight hours on a defined mission profile.

On top of hauling infantry and cargo, the truck has to double as a mobile charging station. Requirements call for up to 60 kilowatts of continuous high-voltage DC export, plus roughly 15 kilowatts of continuous 28V DC and about 4.8 kilowatts of continuous 120V AC to power battlefield electronics and unmanned systems.

How The Super Duty Platform Fits The Mission

Every Ford ISV-H build starts with the F-Series Super Duty pickup, a truck already engineered for big trailers and heavy payloads. With stout frames, serious axles, and proven gas and diesel engines already in production, Ford’s defense team can concentrate on suspension tuning, crew protection, and power export hardware instead of creating an all-new platform.

Starting from a high-volume civilian truck also helps with logistics. Like the civilian Super Duty, the ISV-H can draw on an existing supply chain for engines, transmissions, sensors, and service parts.

Why This Program Matters Beyond Defense Circles

Ford is effectively turning the Super Duty into a battlefield power tool, and that is what makes this program interesting beyond defense circles. If a truck can reliably serve as both troop carrier and silent generator, civilian versions will likely keep getting smarter about on-site power and upfitting.

GM’s hybrid Silverado HD ISV-Heavy gives it an early edge in quiet running, but Ford’s deep Super Duty parts bin and existing exportable power tech keep this a real fight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISV-Heavy program?

The ISV-Heavy program is a US Army program aimed at developing a medium tactical truck that can haul soldiers and gear over bad roads while feeding power-hungry drones, sensors, radios, and command gear.

What are the requirements for the ISV-Heavy program?

The Army’s wish list is tight and specific, requiring each ISV-H to travel 250 miles on three-quarters of a fuel tank, then separately cover 62 miles in eight hours on a defined mission profile. The truck must also supply up to 60 kW of continuous high-voltage DC export power, plus lower-voltage outputs.

How many trucks is the Army planning to buy?

The Army is eyeing a potential buy of more than 600 ISV-H trucks, which would be Ford’s largest US military truck order in years if the Super Duty wins.