Oshkosh Defense unveils JLTV utility vehicle bid

Oshkosh Defense has unveiled its Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) utility variant for the US Army-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) programme. The company has successfully completed its JLTV design understanding review with the US government and is on schedule to deliver 22 JLTV prototypes this summer under the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) contract.

The L-ATV utility variant fulfills the JLTV requirement for a two-seat cargo vehicle, while the L-ATV base variant meets the requirement for a 4-seat multipurpose vehicle. Both Oshkosh L-ATV variants have been designed with a common crew protection system, advanced automotive systems, and the Oshkosh TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system to deliver advanced levels of protection and off-road performance in a light vehicle.

The JLTV programme will develop a new light tactical vehicle for the US Army and Marine Corps, engineered with an unprecedented blend of protection, performance and payload capability, with IED protection, networking capability, and on-board power generation. Oshkosh Defence was one of three companies to be awarded EMD-phase contracts in August 2012. Lockheed Martin and AM General are also developing offerings for the programme.

Oshkosh has designed the L-ATV utility variant to provide mobility for loads such as containers, pallets and break bulk cargo in a wide range of operating environments and threat levels. In addition to hauling cargo, the L-ATV utility variant can be outfitted as a shelter carrier to carry standard shelters for communications systems, on-board electronics and other functions. The vehicle can transport two passengers and has a payload capacity of more than 5,100 pounds.

According to the company, Oshkosh engineered the L-ATV with a high level of commonality to streamline fleet sustainment, with each variant tailored to optimize performance for its unique role.

John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Joint and Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense, said: ‘The landscapes and threats of tomorrow’s battlefields are unpredictable, and state-of-the-art equipment will be absolutely necessary to protecting lives and completing missions. The Oshkosh L-ATV utility variant is the most technologically advanced, most mature JLTV solution for warfighters to complete transport missions on those battlefields.’

The vehicle’s performance was demonstrated at the 2013 NATC Technology Rodeo, which took place on 6 February at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) near Carson City, Nev.