The Army and Marine Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Limited User Testing (LUT) wrapped up earlier this month, representing the last step in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase before the three contractors send in their bids for a production contract.
The contractors–AM General, Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Oshkosh Defense [OSK]–were asked to deliver 22 vehicles each for soldiers and Marines to test in realistic environments.
Photo: Oshkosh Defense
“The completed LUT focused on the JLTV system capabilities, functions, operations and interfaces in a range of simulated tactical environments,” according to a press release from Oshkosh. “It also covered operator and crew level preventive maintenance for the entire JLTV system, ensuring operators could proficiently and safely operate the JLTV during test and evaluation. The Army user testing was conducted in September and October. Three of the tests were held as 96-hour cycles meant to simulate operational missions, and one of the tests incorporated a live fire demonstration. The Marines similarly completed two test cycles in October and November, including one with a live fire demonstration.”
Lockheed Martin spokesman John Kent said the idea of the testing was to create “realistic operational conditions over extended periods to assess [the vehicles’] performance and to assure they’re able to complete required missions.”
“We’re very pleased with the way our vehicle performed,” he added.
AM General spokesman Jeff Adams said that “AM General has successfully completed and/or exceeded every milestone throughout the JLTV program’s EMD phase to include LUT. We are very pleased with the (Blast Resistant Vehicle – Off Road) BRV-O’s performance and its demonstrated ability to fill the capability gap in light tactical vehicles and look forward to the program downselect decision expected sometime in mid-2015.”
Kent added that the RFP was due out any time now, hopefully before Thanksgiving. The contractors “expect that to happen any day now,” he said. Entrants would have 60 days to respond, and the Army and Marine Corps customers are expected to award a contract in late summer of 2015.