LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLES AHEAD
Operating in today’s budget-constrained fiscal environment, Army developers are working on an approach to JLTV pro- curement that harnesses the best available technologies while minimizing costs and achieving efficiency.
One such approach includes the possibil- ity of buying less add-on armor, known as B-kits, for the vehicles because not every JLTV will need the added protection, and new, lightweight materials are likely to become available in the future.
With its off-road ability, blast protec- tion, and onboard electronics, the JLTV is being engineered to maximize Soldier protection without compromising mobil- ity and vehicle performance. “We are now focusing on a vehicle that is 10,000 pounds lighter than an M-ATV [Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle] and yet we believe will offer as much protection as the original M-ATVs that the Army fielded,” said Bassett. These enhanced technological capabili- ties will allow the JLTV to perform a wide range of missions and perform many roles that HMMWVs are currently unable to perform.
HMMWV RECAP At the same time the Army is prepar- ing for the next phase of the JLTV program, it has embarked on a competi- tive HMMWV recap program for what is called the Modernized Expanded Capa- bility Vehicle (MECV). The MECV aims to improve the survivability of the exist- ing HMMWV in the Army inventory.
The Army has released a draft Request for Proposal for MECV, with an award slated for this spring.
Thus far, the Army has been encouraged by a strong industry response to earlier Requests for Information and plans to
30 PASSING THE TEST
The JLTV, shown here on a test track at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, MD, is designed with fortified protections against blast attacks from improvised explosive devices, as well as improvements to off-road mobility, variable-ride height suspension, exportable power, and essential command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. (U.S. Army photo.)
award multiple test vehicle contracts before downselecting to one vendor. Cur- rently, the Army estimates that nearly 6,000 HMMWVs will be recapped as part of the HMMWV MECV program, with the potential for additional vehicles should the U.S. Marine Corps become part of the program. Both services con- tinue to review requirements to determine the extent of collaboration needed.
The MECV program, which aims to improve survivability of the HMMWV while driving down weight and cost, does have the requirement that the base cab can be lifted by the Army’s CH-47 Chi- nook helicopter, Bassett said.
OVERALL STRATEGY The JLTV and HMMWV recap programs are designed to prepare American forces for a variety of anticipated future contingencies.
“These two competitive efforts are also synchronized with one another to invest
a limited amount of resources upfront, enabling a ‘try before we buy’ approach, and to capitalize on the vast experience our industry partners have gained over the past five years,” Goddette said.
There are limits to how much payload and performance the Army can squeeze out, even with an upgraded HMMWV, without resulting in a vehicle cost whereby it makes more sense to buy a JLTV, Bassett said. “These two efforts together give us the best of both options, as we seek to modernize our light fleet while sustaining our significant invest- ment in HMMWV.”
KRIS OSBORN is a Highly Qualified Expert for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Office of Strategic Communications. He holds a B.A. in English and political science from Kenyon College and an M.A. in com- parative literature from Columbia University.
Army AL&T Magazine
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