>“On 13 February 2025, market research was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck by evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies. The study revealed that the Cybertruck’s aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors typically using painted steel or aluminum bodies,” the justification document explains. “Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [redacted] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck.”
Perhaps unintentionally that reads like an absurd advertisement ;)
taylodl · 3h ago
Until you realize in the big picture the US Air Force is saying about the only value the Cybertruck provides is missile target practice. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement.
duxup · 3h ago
"We're offering $100 tops..."
-Air Force
jacquesm · 3h ago
None of that makes it more suitable as a missile target.
duxup · 3h ago
I suspect the idea here is that they want a real world test to see how their systems react to a vehicle of that type. If they respond the same as any, all good, if not then something to consider.
I think it is just that, a real world test to see if anything changes.
jacquesm · 3h ago
That doesn't hold water: a real world test should simulate the most likely real world conditions, not something that you are very unlikely to encounter in that real world.
duxup · 3h ago
I think you test everything you can, specifically if there is a strange outlier vehicle. If that means you pick up a broken down used Tesla, that's what you do. They have an explanation for why they want that one, because it is different.
Perhaps unintentionally that reads like an absurd advertisement ;)
-Air Force
I think it is just that, a real world test to see if anything changes.