The Lockheed Martin team
optimized a JLTV model already proven in government testing to create
its EMD design. The production-enhanced JLTV maintains the proven force
protection, mobility, transportability and reliability of the earlier
Technology Demonstration (TD) model, while significantly reducing weight
and cost. The team’s JLTV design reflects improvements from more
than 160,000 combined testing miles.
"We are extremely pleased to announce the selection of the Lockheed
Martin JLTV design as one of three mature vehicles selected
to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase of the
JLTV Program,” said Col. David Bassett, project manager at the
JLTV Joint Program Office. “We are confident that the Lockheed
Martin team, along with the other two selected vehicles, are ready to
demonstrate their ability to meet and exceed our requirements, deliver
vehicles on schedule, and achieve the manufacturing and sustainment
costs necessary to compete effectively for production."
Formed in 2005, the Lockheed Martin-led JLTV team includes tactical
wheeled vehicles expertise at BAE Systems in Sealy, Texas, which is
an industry leader in advanced armor solutions and high volume assembly.
The team also includes numerous Tier 1 suppliers, including: Allison
Transmission, Cummins Engine, L3 Combat Propulsion Systems, Meritor
Defense, Robert Bosch LLC and Vehma International of America.
“We’ve had a consistent team since day one, and this win
highlights the merits of a stable, proven design,” said Scott
Greene, vice president of ground vehicles at Lockheed Martin’s
Missiles and Fire Control business. “Two JLTVs have been produced
on an active manufacturing line, so we are already well prepared for
rapid production and testing.”
The firm fixed-price contract has a 27-month performance period with
deliveries of 22 vehicles taking place within 12 to 14 months. Primary
variants with companion trailers include the utility carrier and shelter
(JLTV-UTL), a two-seat prime mover with an open bed; and the general-purpose
vehicle (JLTV-GP), which is a four-seater that will carry troops, ammunition
and small supplies.
Lockheed Martin’s JLTV EMD vehicles are more affordable than
their predecessors, offering lower-cost materials with high fuel efficiency
and low logistical support costs. The vehicles offer enhanced crew safety
based upon government tests that show the design meets the high blast-protection
standards, with margin, of many existing mine-resistant vehicles serving
in combat today. Additionally, the Lockheed Martin team shaved hundreds
of pounds off the TD design, which was already proven in helicopter
lift tests.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security
company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally
engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration
and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
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