General Motors has chosen an experienced U.S. Army veteran to lead its new military defense division.
Retired Maj. Gen. John Charlton was recently named to serve as the president of GM Defense under CEO Charlie Freese.
Charlton served in the Army for 34 years. His background includes several command positions and a stint with Test and Evaluation Command. With that experience, he’ll bring valuable insights into the military’s technology needs and contracting requirements.
GM announced last year that it would be returning to the defense business, having sold off its military division in a $1.1 billion deal with General Dynamics in 2003. This new defense subsidiary is part of GM’s Global Product Development unit.
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GM Defense will start out by developing hydrogen fuel cell technologies for the military. This summer, the division announced that it was developing a fuel cell auxiliary power unit for military aircraft. It’s also working on the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, a heavy-duty Hydrotec fuel cell-operated truck that operates quietly while featuring high torque, a low thermal signature, off-road capability, and a removable power unit that can be used as a generator.
Another GM Defense project is the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure concept, or SURUS. This autonomously operated hydrogen-powered vehicle looks like a sled and could be upfitted for a wide range of military applications such as cargo transport or medical care.
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