U.S. Air Force Finds a Practical Use for Tesla Cybertrucks: Target Practice

In an unexpected but pragmatic move reflecting current challenges and Tesla’s market realities, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to purchase two Tesla Cybertruck vehicles for use as live targets in precision missile training exercises at the White Sands test range in New Mexico. This step aims to simulate realistic war scenarios, especially after observing that some adversaries might deploy vehicles with the Cybertruck’s unique design in future conflicts.

Background and Reason for Choosing the Tesla Cybertruck

• The Air Force’s vehicle acquisition is part of a larger contract to purchase 33 different vehicles for target practice.
  
  

• The Tesla Cybertruck is the only vehicle named explicitly in the list, due to its sharp, futuristic angular design and its unpainted stainless steel exterior body.
  
  

• The Air Force noted that the Cybertruck demonstrated unusual resistance to expected damage from heavy impacts, making it an ideal model for testing missile accuracy and destructive power under realistic conditions.
  
  

• A thorough study of the Cybertruck’s design and durability revealed superiority over competitors in its advanced 48-volt electrical architecture.
  
  

Relevant Tesla Cybertruck Specifications

Technical Delivery Requirements for Target Use

• Vehicles need not be operable, but must be in towable condition (able to be pulled behind another vehicle with swivel towing).
  
  

• Batteries (weighing approximately 726 kg) must be removed to eliminate explosion risks during tests.
  
  

• All fluids must be drained for safety during missile firing.
  
  

• Exterior glass and mirrors must remain intact to simulate real-world scenarios during training.
  
  

Why the Cybertruck?

• Field experience showed that while the Cybertruck sustains more everyday wear than expected, its robust build makes total destruction challenging, an unusual trait for trucks of its kind.
  
  

• These characteristics pose a potential threat should enemies acquire the vehicle, necessitating strategic training to confront such scenarios.
  
  

• The Cybertruck’s high-tech electrical system provides enhanced power and efficiency compared to conventional vehicles.
  
  

• Elon Musk once stated that the Cybertruck was designed to be “armored” and capable of withstanding harsh conditions akin to futuristic armored personnel carriers, justifying its value as a live military training target.
  
  

Air Force Training with Tesla Cybertrucks

• The goal is to simulate and evaluate the effectiveness of precision-guided missiles such as the AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin, among other advanced weaponry.
  
  

• Using physical targets that resemble potential enemy vehicles helps prepare forces for realistic combat environments.
  
  

• Testing includes live missile launches to observe damage extent on the Cybertruck’s structure and electrical systems.
  
  

Details of the Target Vehicle Program

Impact on Tesla and Cybertruck Sales

• Although the Air Force’s order is small in number, purchasing two Cybertrucks adds to Tesla’s sales amid declining customer interest.
  
  

• The Cybertruck has faced challenges related to higher-than-expected operational damage, decreasing buyer enthusiasm.
  
  

• This military use could open future opportunities for cooperation on testing or defense technologies.
  
  

• Financial gains from this contract for Tesla may be minimal but could boost perceptions of vehicle durability and quality.
  
  

The U.S. Air Force’s choice to use Tesla Cybertrucks as missile training targets reflects practical realities in modern warfare and the advanced design of electric vehicles. Testing the Cybertruck highlights its unique toughness, while underscoring the importance of preparing military forces to encounter high-tech threats.

This step confirms the necessity for realistic, rigorous training against emerging technology threats, offering valuable insights to defense preparedness.