BAE Systems adds Northrop Grumman to JLTV team

BAE Systems announced today it has added Northrop Grumman Corporation to its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) team. The team currently consists of BAE Systems, Navistar Defense and Meritor Defense (formerly ArvinMeritor).

Northrop Grumman will serve as the C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) lead, responsible for the integration of command and control hardware and software, computers and communications equipment, sensors and sensor suites for intelligence gathering and force protection. By applying Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems' substantial domain expertise, the team will develop a net-ready, open architecture system, allowing the warfighter to configure the JLTV platform rapidly and inexpensively for current and future mission needs.

"Our decision to team with one of the world's leaders in C4ISR recognizes the growing importance of situational awareness, information sharing, and command and control on the battlefield, both for vehicles and dismounted soldiers," said Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of amphibious and new programs at BAE Systems. "Northrop Grumman will help us ensure that we provide the kind of scalable solutions the military needs, at an affordable price."

"We are proud to join the BAE Systems JLTV team and bring our expertise in advanced tactical, networked C4ISR to make a strong team even stronger," said Joe G. Taylor, Jr., Northrop Grumman Information Systems' vice president for Ground Combat Systems. "With the combined capability of this team, we'll deliver proven, low-risk solutions and the vehicle for soldiers and Marines with the best payload, protection and performance that industry can offer."

The BAE Systems team is currently participating in the Technology Development phase of the JLTV program and plans to compete for the next phase of the program, Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD). The Army has announced plans to award up to two contracts for the EMD phase, which is currently scheduled for the beginning of 2012.

Source: BAE Systems

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