Non-Subscriber Extract
JLTV moves into top gear as platform protection requirements gather speed
By Scott R Gourley
10 March 2009
Filling the JLTV gap — US Army representatives note that the new Frag Kit 7, shown here in Afghanistan, provides HMMWVs with “overhead protection over the objective gunner’s protection kit as well as some additional roof armour” (US Army)
Following the 17 February 2009 resolution of protests surrounding the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Technology Demonstration awards, industry teams are currently 're-starting' many related contracted activities aimed toward developing and fielding a family of vehicles designed to meet the needs of tomorrow's warfighters.
Moreover, in parallel with these accelerating JLTV efforts, both government and industry teams are also performing a range of platform enhancements and new production activities surrounding the current US light tactical vehicle fleet.
JLTV publicly emerged in January 2006, with early government requests for information noting: "In response to an operational need and an ageing fleet of light tactical wheeled vehicles, the joint services have developed a requirement for a new tactical wheeled vehicle platform that will provide increased force protection, survivability, and improved capacity over the current Up-Armoured High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (UAH) while balancing mobility and transportability requirements with total ownership costs."
The joint service nature of the effort was assured through Congressional language in the Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06) Authorization Act, which mandated that any future tactical wheeled vehicle programme would be a joint programme.
As the JLTV moved from amorphous requirements to developmental programme during late 2006 and 2007, multiple industry teams began to combine synergies and technological expertise with an eye toward the potential acquisition.
Even before the release of any request for proposals or finalised requirements, some of these industry teams began moving forward with their JLTV concepts.