BAE Systems, along with teammates Northrop Grumman and Meritor Defense, have outlined that team’s proposal submission for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The submission is in response to the government JLTV EMD request for proposal issued on Jan. 26, 2012.
Team representatives noted that the EMD proposal was based on the “Valanx” design developed for the earlier technology development phase of the program.
The first Valanx prototype was unveiled in February 2008, with the name selection emphasizing the design of a family of v-hulled, blast-resistant vehicles that optimize what’s referred to as the so-called “iron triangle” of payload, protection and performance.
Since the technology demonstration stage win, the Valanx team has seen the addition of Northrop Grumman as the C4ISR lead in the program, as well as the departure of engine supplier Navistar and the selection of Ford to join the team with its 6.7 liter Power Stroke engine. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems
Interestingly, at the time of the original unveiling, BAE Systems was teamed with Navistar Defense LLC, and went on to win one of the three technology development contracts awarded in late October of that year. The team also included Arvin Meritor [later Meritor Defense] to manufacture the lightweight independent suspension and drivetrain solutions for the Valanx.
Significant changes to the team over time have included the departure of Navistar (now offering their own bid for JLTV EMD) and the April 2011 addition of Northrop Grumman Corporation (originally teamed with Oshkosh Defense in an unsuccessful offer for the JLTV TD phase). Northrop Grumman joined the team as the C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) lead, responsible for the integration of command and control hardware and software, computers and communications equipment, sensors and sensor suites for intelligence gathering and force protection.
Highlighting the team’s proposed JLTV EMD design in late March 2012, Glenn Lamartin, BAE Systems JLTV capture lead, offered, “We kept the best from the technology development phase and applied it to our EMD vehicles, and we’ve made refinements to perform even better. Our JLTVs are protected and survivable, light enough for transport by air or sea, and agile on road and off. Most importantly, they are affordable. This is truly a vehicle that is going to meet the needs of our service men and women.”
Another significant recent team announcement was the selection of the Ford Motor Company Power Stroke® 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine to power the JLTV family of vehicles. Team members emphasized the engine’s “class-leading fuel economy and the best horsepower and torque of any engine in its class,” noting that it is the same engine Ford designed, engineered, and built to power its F-Series Super Duty® trucks.
“We have worked hard over the last year to strengthen our team and our offer, bringing together the best of the defense and automotive industries,” said Ann Hoholick, BAE Systems Vice President of Amphibious & New Programs. “Ford products have a reputation for dependability and performance, even under challenging conditions. With their experience in commercial trucks, we see this as a great fit for our JLTV offer. It’s a win for us and a win for our valued customers.”