Oshkosh in bid for JLTV contract

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OSHKOSH, Wis., March 28 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense says it's offering its latest Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle as a candidate for the U.S. military's JLTV program.

The L-ATV combines the armor protection of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles with superior off-road mobility, the company said, and meets or exceeds requirements of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, which aims to modernize the military's light tactical vehicle fleet.

"Military leaders have recognized JLTV as one of their top modernization priorities, and the Oshkosh L-ATV entry represents our significant investment in this project and showcases our advanced technology," said John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Joint and Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense.

"Our engineers have drawn upon extensive tactical vehicle operating experience in Iraq and Afghanistan to develop the L-ATV, with an eye toward future combat environments."

The U.S. military is expected to award three engineering and development contracts in June, which will include the manufacture of vehicle prototypes.

Oshkosh said its L-ATV features a tested and proven crew protection system and the capability for use of multiple armor configurations. It uses the Oshkosh TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system, which delivers 20 inches of independent wheel travel -- "25 percent more than any vehicle fielded with the U.S. military today."

Other contenders for the JLTV awards are BAE Systems and its partners, Northrop Grumman and Meritor Defense, which is offering a vehicle powered by a Ford truck engine.