January 10, 2003. Copyright 2002. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Truck to scare hearts and minds

LONDON, January 10, Graphic News: A hulking, jet-black vehicle with mounted headlights and the potential to harbour deadly weapons, the U.S. ArmyÕs new SmarTruck II is built to strike fear into the heart of the enemy.

But which enemy? Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show this week, the all-purpose prototype vehicle reflects efforts by the military to combat the shadowy foe of President George BushÕs war on terrorism.

Versatility is the key. The SmarTruck II, a modified Chevrolet Silverado with a V-8 engine and 350 horsepower, is equipped with ÒmodulesÓ, stainless steel containers that can be swapped within an hour depending on the situation. For example, the armoured boxes could house special surveillance equipment or water purification systems for humanitarian relief.

In Detroit the truck was ready to do battle, most likely on U.S. soil. It was equipped with a laser-guided missile and lancher system and an unmanned drone aircraft. In the cab was more state-of-the-art electronics and technology, including a hyberbolic interactive website and a computer program described as a Òhacker in a box.Ó The vehicle has night vision, 360-degree video cameras, and equipment to detect biological or chemical weapons.

Such sophistication is not cheap. The prototype cost between $500,000-$1 million to build, but the idea is that SmarTruck II can be shared between several federal agencies. It comes a year after SmarTruck I which, its makers now admit, was not Òready for the real world.Ó

It looks as if the same cannot be said of SmarTruck II. The idea for the original came from the Bond movies, but 007 never got behind the wheel of anything quite like this.
/ENDS

Source: North American International Auto Show