The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle A2 (JLTV A2) represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the A1, with a host of improvements designed to better meet soldiers’ needs while reducing lifecycle costs. This new iteration, developed by AM General, emphasizes enhanced durability, efficiency, and technological readiness. The JLTV A2 is engineered with a focus on reducing vehicle noise, making it more suitable for covert operations and less detectable by adversaries. This reduction in acoustic signature is a notable improvement, enhancing the vehicle’s operational stealth. To address durability, the A2 features enhanced corrosion resistance, exceeding the 30-year corrosion requirement using commercially available corrosion protection systems on mission-critical hardware. Fuel efficiency has also been improved, with the A2 consuming less fuel on average compared to its predecessor. The JLTV A2 offers a lifetime of corrosion protection and production quality.
This efficiency is partly achieved through the integration of 24-volt lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, which also extend the vehicle’s operational range. The new JLTV is powered by the MY 2024 L5P Duramax diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed Allison 2500 SP transmission. This combination ensures robust performance and reliability across various terrains and mission profiles. Gen 6 Transmission Control Module (TCU) provides the new JLTV A2 with fuel efficiency technology enhancements that substantially reduce fleet operational costs without compromising performance. The Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) was also redesigned to enhance belt service life. One of the standout features of the JLTV A2 is the Modular Base Integration Kit package, which allows for future vehicle architecture upgrades. This modularity ensures that the JLTV A2 can be adapted to meet evolving operational requirements, making it a versatile and sustainable choice for the U.S. military.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, initially awarded to Oshkosh Defense in 2015, has seen AM General take a leading role in the production of the A2 variant. In February 2023, AM General secured contracts from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, totaling $230.87 million, to establish a second production line for the JLTV A2. Additionally, a major contract valued at $8.66 billion was awarded for the production of up to 20,682 JLTV A2 vehicles and 9,883 JLTV-T trailers. Further solidifying its position, AM General received another substantial contract on May 24, 2023, worth $4.65 billion, for an unspecified number of JLTV A2 vehicles and trailers, estimated at around 10,000 units. Of course, Oshkosh Defense remains the manufacturer of the JLTV, and it is to deliver vehicles still in the A1 version based on the latest contract valued at $208,890,089 from November 3, 2023.
This family of vehicles, developed for varied tactical requirements, includes:
1. General Purpose (GP) Vehicle: designed as a versatile 4-crew base vehicle, the GP model of the JLTV A2 series is engineered to perform a broad range of missions.
2. Utility Vehicle (UTL): this variant is optimized for cargo delivery and shelter transport, accommodating a 2-crew configuration.
3. Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC): the HGC version supports a 4-crew setup along with a gunner in a turret.
4. TOW (Close Combat Weapons Carrier/CCWC): this specialized model is configured for anti-tank and anti-armor operations.
5. JLTV-T (Trailer): the JLTV-T trailer offers a robust payload capacity of up to 5,100 pounds.
