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The JLTV specifications will be focused
more closely on the replacement of specific vehicles such as
the HMMWV,
offering balanced and improved capabilities, in mobility, protection
and performance. An important parameter for the JLTV success
will be its reduced life-cycle cost. The new family of vehicles
will use of common spare and repair parts at the sub-assembly
and component level, facilitating optimized management of logistics
(parts inventories), maintenance and support.
Armor protection is one of the key elements of the future
JLTV program. All JLTVs are expected to be protected against
explosions and mines and IEDs utilizing V shaped hulls, although
this specific design has not been made mandatory. The basic
vehicle will also be bulletproof, addressing specific A kit
requirement is to be defined by the military. Since baseline
armor is part of the vehicle, additional armor weight represented
by the add-on B-kit, will facilitate net protection, since all
the structural elements and attachments carrying the appliqués
armor kit will already be provided in the baseline. (Further
reading: JLTV
Pathfinders - CTV)
CTV technology Demonstrators
The Combat Tactical Vehicle (Technology Demonstrator) is a
six passenger combat variant within the JLTV family of vehicles.
The Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is developing a technology
demonstrator for the combat tactical vehicle (CTV), under contact
for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The vehicle is undergoing
performance testing and Marine Corps evaluation at NATC proving
ground in Nevada. The tests incorporate comprehensive cross
country mobility and ballistic testing of several armor solutions,
to be integrated into the vehicle's final design.
Lockheed Martin unveiled its version of JLTV at the Modern
Day Marine (MDM) and AUSA exhibitions in October 07. The company
is leading a team with BAE Systems to provide high volume assembly
and armor manufacturing; Alcoa will support vehicle design and
JWF Industries to produce various assemblies. Other suppliers
include Axletech, Lotus, Cummins and Allison transmission. The
vehicle is designed with "MRAP-like" survivability
and protection based on 'modular' survivability.
At AUSA 07 Oshkosh displayed their JLTV utility vehicle (JLTV-UT)
technology demonstrator. The vehicle is expected to begin testing
at the NATC before the end of 2007. Since Oshkosh based its
concept vehicle on mature technologies, they decided to focus
on conventional diesel engine rather than hybrid electric propulsion.
According to Oshkosh, this is what the USMC client is conveying.
A similar approach has been adopted by Lockheed Martin for their
JLTV vehicle, unveiled in Washington DC in early October, at
MDM and AUSA 07.
 Hybrid
Electric Powered JLTV Concept Vehicles
In contrast to these diesel powered vehicles, General Tactical
Vehicles, a joint venture between General Dynamics Lnd Systems
(GDLS) and AM General is pursuing a more ambitious approach
introducing their Advanced Ground Mobility Vehicle (AGMV), promoted
as a JLTV concept vehicle. GDLS and AM General invested over
$10 million for risk reduction development and maturation of
this vehicle and its innovative In-Hub Hybrid Electric Drive
system.
A concept vehicle developed by MillenWorks, displayed at both
shows is demonstrating several critical technologies that could
be integrated in future military vehicles. The company showed
its light utility hybrid (LUV) vehicle, was developed by MillenWorks
with support from TRADEC and national Automotive Center (NAC).
The vehicle has a gross weight (GVW) of 18,500 lbs (8391 kg)
and curb weight of 14,500 lb (6,577 kg). This air transportable
vehicle can be carried internally in a C-130 aircraft and CH-47
or CH-53 helicopters. Textron Marine and Land Systems is planning
to utilize this platform to develop advanced component technologies
for future tactical ground vehicles. The company recently announced
teaming with Boeing to compete for the future JLTV production.
Boeing is also the prime contractor for the US Army's Future
Combat Systems program, which includes seven manned ground systems
to be powered by electric drive systems. (Further reading: JLTV
Pathfinders - Hybrid Electric Vehicles)
Other topics covered in this review:
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