| The USMC is expected
to publish the JLTV request for proposal (RFP) at the beginning
of the coming year, and select manufacturers for the new family
of vehicles by the end of March 2008. Initial operational capability
originally scheduled for 2010 was recently pushed back to 2012,
as the services are focused on the acquisition of heavier and
more urgently needed MRAP in the near term. However, all officials
are stating that JLTV and MRAP are two different vehicles, providing
for different missions. While MRAP is addressing more urgent
gaps in force protection, JLTV is fulfilling current and future
requirements for all-terrain tactical mobility, maneuverability,
sustainability as well as air transportation and strategic mobility
(including sealift). (more...)
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The Combat Tactical Vehicle (Technology Demonstrator) is a six
passenger combat variant within the JLTV family of vehicles.
The Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is developing a technology
demonstrator for the combat tactical vehicle (CTV), under contact
for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The vehicle is undergoing
performance testing and Marine Corps evaluation at NATC proving
ground in Nevada. The tests incorporate comprehensive cross
country mobility and ballistic testing of several armor solutions,
to be integrated into the vehicle's final design.
The vehicle offers several advantages and new technologies,
including fully adjustable front and rear suspensions, offering
21" wheel travel and adjustable ride height. This feature
is particularly important in retrospect of the height of MRAP
vehicles, which exceeded the 76" restriction for maritime
transportation, creating substantial delays in MRAP inter-theater
mobilization. The CTV TD uses an integral rollover protection
system (ROPS). BAE Systems produces the chassis and basic armor
of aluminum. The basic armor offers high level protection, especially
throughout the lower hull. The higher elements could be augmented
with B kit armor, designed by Plasan. This armor uses a combination
of composites and ceramics attached to sockets embedded in the
basic vehicle. Blast mitigating structures and seats are protecting
against mine and blast effect. The vehicle is provided with
multiple side doors and rear access for rapid egress an ingress.
 The
CTV uses a Detroit-Diesel/MTU 926 turbo-diesel developing 322hp
with 959 ft/lbs torque. Power steering is standard for the front
wheels, augmented by optional steering for the rear wheels.
To improve mobility and sustain battle damage, CTV-TD uses central
tire inflation system and VFI runflat tires. It is capable of
fording water at depth of 30" (60" with preparation).
Safety systems include electronically controlled braking (ABS)
system and electronic stability control (ECS). CTV has 30 kW
onboard electrical power and 10kW mobile power.
At the 2007 Modern Day Marine expo Lockheed Martin unveiled
its version of JLTV. The company is leading a team with BAE
Systems to provide high volume assembly and armor manufacturing;
Alcoa will support vehicle design and JWF Industries to produce
various assemblies.  Other
suppliers include Axletech, Lotus, Cummins and Allison transmission.
The vehicle is designed with "MRAP-like" survivability
and protection based on 'modular' survivability. It is designed
to carry over 4,000 lbs of usable payload, including seven troops
seated in blast protected seats. Six access doors (a seventh
rear access door is optional) are available, facilitating rapid
troops ingress and egress.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle's high on- and off-road
mobility is provided by patented variable height suspension
and stability control, contributed by the AxelTech automotive
technology. The team selected a Cummins 340 hp turbo diesel
engine and Allison 2500SP transmission to power its JLTV prototype.
The hull is designed with V shape and has A-kit armor and B-kit
attachments for enhanced protection. The Lockheed Martin team
is building three prototype vehicles, demonstrating each of
the planned JLTV categories – the combat tactical vehicle
CTV, utility vehicle (UV) and long range strike reconnaissance
variant (LRV). In parallel, the Lockheed Martin is preparing
the vehicles for low rate production and, in fact, the company
is ready to take orders for delivery of vehicles within the
next 12 months.
Continued JLTV Pathfinder article - (part II): Hybrid
Electric JLTV
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