The US military has a new ride.
His old workhorse, the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle – better known as the Humvee – shows its age. The Humvee was originally designed to carry troops on the battlefield in Europe against the Soviet Union. But during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Humvee was marginalized in favor of vehicles that could better withstand roadside bombs.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV for short, has now established itself as the new frontline tactical vehicle preferred by the US military.
“The JLTV family of vehicles is designed to restore payload and performance capabilities traded in by previous light tactical vehicles for added protection in recent conflicts – offering commanders an enhanced protected mobility solution and the first vehicle specifically designed for modern battlefield networks “Michael Sprang, the program manager for the JLTV program with the US Army, wrote in an email to CNBC.
The vehicle is manufactured by Oshkosh Defense.
“The JLTV combines the protection of the MRAP, which was so critical in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the agility of a Humvee,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., In an interview with CNBC. “I’ve ridden it. With the suspension system, you could have a cup of coffee, cross massive bumps, and not spill anything. It’s a critical upgrade priority for both the Army and the Marine Corps.”
Watch the video above to learn more about the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and how the U.S. military plans to use the new vehicle for future ground battles.
