An $89 million order from ACC–Detroit Arsenal will deliver new PLS A2 trucks, associated kits, and installation work as part of the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) V contract. The PLS A2 is described as “autonomy-ready,” supporting the Army’s effort to sustain high-tempo resupply operations in contested environments. The FHTV V framework, extending through August 2029, provides the backbone for distributing ammunition, fuel, and containerized loads to combat brigades.
FHTV encompasses both the PLS A2 and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4, structured around a procurement philosophy that emphasizes commonality and modularity. By using militarized commercial components across vehicle families, the Army reduces training time, simplifies logistics, and controls lifecycle costs. The program also blends recapitalization of older vehicles with new production, enabling gradual capability improvements without large-scale fleet overhauls. This incremental strategy ensures resupply reliability, a critical factor for operational effectiveness.
The PLS A2 configuration centers on three core elements. Drive-by-wire technology enables supervised autonomous convoy operations. Advanced driver-assistance features—including braking aids, stability controls, and environmental sensors—improve safety and reduce rollover or collision risks in harsh terrain. Lastly, an open architecture supports the integration of future systems, from autonomy kits to advanced protective technologies. These choices provide the Army with a flexible, modernized logistics vehicle suited for both current missions and emerging requirements.
