Oshkosh makes bid for Humvee replacement

OSHKOSH, Wis., Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense has submitted its proposal to thee Department of Defense for production of a vehicle to replace the Humvee utility vehicle.

The proposal for low-rate initial production and full rate production was submitted Tuesday, the deadline set by the DOD in its request for proposal notification.

"Our troops deserve the best vehicle and technology our government can provide, and no other company serves this mission more effectively than Oshkosh," said retired U.S. Army Major General John Urias, executive vice president of Oshkosh Corporation and president of Oshkosh Defense. "Our JLTV proposal reflects Oshkosh's heritage of building high performance tactical vehicles, and an unparalleled commitment to providing our troops with the most capable and reliable JLTV at an affordable price."

The company's JLTV candidate vehicle to replace the Humvee comes in two- and four-seat variants and features Oshkosh's TAK-4i independent suspension system, which provides 25 percent more off-road usable wheel travel and 70 percent faster speeds than present Humvees.

It also has a digitally-controlled engine for maintaining steady, fuel-efficient power, a comprehensive crew protection system and networking and computer capabilities.

Oshkosh's prototype JLTV vehicles, produced under an engineering and manufacturing development contract have undergone readiness tests, as have those from AM General and Lockheed Martin.