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Sales aren’t the only thing “bombing” in the world of Tesla Cybertrucks!
The US Air Force wants to use the futuristic electric truck for target practice — believing that enemies may soon start using the fortified ride in their defense.
Two of Elon Musk’s angular, stainless steel machines — which have come under less-literal fire for looking like “a dumpster” and “the love child of a cheese grater and a door wedge” — will likely be used in missile launching tests designed to mimic real-world battles, according to Stars and Stripes.
“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 Air Force wrote in documents cited by the outlet.
“Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop.”
The two Cybertrucks, which cost roughly $80,000 each, will be part of a larger military contract to buy a total of 33 vehicles for use at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in support of the US Special Operations Command.
The combat-mobile-style truck doesn’t sustain the amount of damage expected from a major impact, according to the Air Force.
The Cybertruck saw a staggering 51% year-on-year decline in sales over the past three months, according to data published last month by market researcher Cox Automotive.
In 2019, Musk unveiled the long-anticipated truck, saying its windows were unbreakable — a claim that was quickly debunked when Tesla’s own chief designer threw a metal ball at the ride and broke two windows.
Tesla later posted a YouTube video showing a Cybertruck withstanding gunfire from a tommy gun, pistol and shotgun.
English (US)