U.S. ARMY’s Up-Armored Humvee Replaced by the Oshkosh JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle)

jltv-oshkosh
The Oshkosh JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) will enter service as a direct replacement for the Up-Armored Humvee. The Humvee, first saw service in Panama in 1989 and has proven to be a staple of our military’s mobility; however, it is limited in many ways. The Humvee was never built to tackle issues like an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and its overall armor left something to be desired. Reacting to the light armor issue, Humvee were given an “Up-Armored” version that added armor and protection to many sections of the vehicle. This in turn made it slower and even more cumbersome to pilot.

They still have issues protecting soldiers from IED attacks too.

Oshkosh has built some highly regarded military vehicles in the past and their new vehicle, the Oshkosh JLTV is the sum of years of research and design. It is expected that the Oshkosh JLTV will replace the Up-Armored Humvee soon. The Oshkosh JLTV is more than an upgrade, it’s an entirely new take on our need for a light tactical vehicle.

Here are some highlights:

  • Powered by a Banks 866T (basically the GM Duramax) Diesel engine and an Allison transmission
  • Standard 4X4 transfer case which can lock the front, center, rear or all the diffs at once. Has a standard central tire inflation system.
  • Runs on military grade fuel and has a standard ability to ford 60-inches of water. More, if the suspension is raised.
  • Base weight is under 14,000 lbs and GVWR is around 22,000 lbs
  • Similar to the MATV and MTVR suspension systems, the TAK4i Independent suspension gives it a full 20-inches of wheel travel. The (high-pressure gas) suspension can raise one side on a sharp incline to give the driver and passengers a level vehicle to open doors with. Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to open the heavily armored doors on a hillside.
  • Small enough to fit in a C-130 cargo plane. Adjustable suspension allows for “squatting” when loading.
  • Compatible with modular weapons and communications systems like the EOS 30mm weapons system
  • Underbody explosive protection system for IED blasts

It’s estimated that December 2018 may be the time where the U.S. government will make a decision about full production and, possibly, deployment dates.

In this video, Roman interviews Dave Diersen V.P and General Manager for Oshkosh JLTV Program. While much of the information is classified, it’s pretty obvious that the Oshkosh JLTV has a lot going for it.

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.