Oshkosh Delivers its JLTV Prototype for Military Testing

Oshkosh Defense delivered its first Joint Light Tactical Vehicle prototype for the next phase of government testing to replace the Humvee.

The August 7 ceremony took place as the Pentagon prepares to open the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program. Oshkosh Defense is poised to deliver another 21 JLTV prototypes in August.

Oshkosh, Lockheed Martin and AM General were all awarded EMD contracts for the JLTV program last year. The three companies have until 2014 to build their prototypes for testing.

The joint Marine Corps and Army program has so far managed to avoid cuts brought on by massive defense spending reductions under sequestration.

Oshkosh says its JLTV prototype will deliver unprecedented levels of mobility, survivability, transportability and life-cycle value for the JLTV program.

In a recent press release, John Urias, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Oshkosh Defense, said: "The JLTV will fill a vital capabilities gap in the military’s light vehicle fleet and protect our men and women in uniform for decades to come.

"The Oshkosh JLTV solution we are now submitting for government testing transforms the concept of what a light vehicle can be – merging key design aspects of high-performance tactical vehicles and highly survivable combat vehicles. The result is a new level of protected mobility in a light platform."

Oshkosh also builds the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle, which has seen plenty of action in Afghanistan.

Prototypes being delivered include a four-door multi-purpose variant and two-door utility variant, Defensetech.org reports.

The vehicles feature Oshkosh’s TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system and a digitally-controlled Duramax engine designed to power through steep inclines and deep desert sands, Oshkosh officials maintain.