In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the landscape of military technology, AM General has released the official photo of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 Prototype. This cutting-edge prototype, showcased at the AUSA Exposition in Washington last October, is poised to redefine the capabilities of tactical vehicles and represents a significant advancement in the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program.
At first glance, the JLTV A2 prototype may not appear radically different from its predecessor, the Oshkosh JLTV, currently in active service. However, a closer look reveals a notable redesign in the radiator grille panel, drawing styling parallels with the iconic AM General HMMWV or Humvee. This modification hints at the innovative enhancements integrated into this new iteration, setting the stage for a transformative era in military mobility.
The JLTV program itself is a collaborative endeavor involving the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Its primary objective is to reinforce the existing fleet by introducing vehicles that not only augment survivability but also enhance payload capabilities, thereby elevating overall military operational effectiveness. The unveiling of the JLTV A2 prototype, a result of AM General's expertise, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of this critical program.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle initiative was initiated to partially replace the aging Humvee fleet, introducing a family of vehicles with enhanced survivability and greater payload capacity. The program saw Oshkosh selected for production in 2015, and subsequent contracts were valued at billions of dollars, with a maximum of 16,901 JLTVs planned for production. However, a recent announcement on July 17 saw AM General securing the JLTV contract valued at an impressive $8.66 billion, triumphing over Oshkosh Defense in a highly contested competition.
Under the terms of this substantial contract, AM General is set to supply 20,682 JLTVs and 9,833 trailers to both the U.S. military and foreign customers over the next five base years, with an option for an additional five one-year ordering periods. This monumental task will be carried out at AM General's dedicated military production facility, located at the expansive 96-acre Mishawaka Manufacturing Campus (MMC) in Indiana.
AM General's strategic position places them at the forefront of evolving next-generation JLTVs, ensuring the fulfillment of mission demands across a diverse spectrum of military operations. The JLTV A2 design, distinguished as the first tactical wheeled vehicle with baseline architecture utilizing lithium-ion batteries, stands as a key enabler for anti-idle capability. This innovation aligns seamlessly with the Army Climate Strategy, showcasing a commitment to fuel efficiency technologies and on-the-move fuel economy improvements.
The unveiling of the JLTV A2 prototype by AM General heralds a new era in military mobility. As the company takes the reins of the JLTV contract, the stage is set for a transformative journey, ensuring the U.S. Army obtains premier vehicles that are not only of the highest quality but also the most capable and affordable in the world. The future of tactical vehicles is here, and it's marked by the pioneering spirit of AM General.
Tags:
Land Force