In October, 2007, BAE Systems and Navistar announced their collaboration in the development of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. "BAE Systems' proven combat vehicle design excellence combined with Navistar's world class supply chain management, logistics and production capabilities provides unmatched JLTV design, production and support capability from concept to combat," said Archie Massicotte, President of Navistar Defense, an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation.

Although not much technical data was given, this 16,000-pound vehicle is designed to provide maximum crew protection by using a v-shaped hull design. Featuring the latest improvements when it comes to lightweight, advanced armor, this vehicle promises to provide exportable power, thus out-performing any existing tactical system. In addition, it incorporates lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, currently serving in Iraq. According to BAE and Navistar, the new vehicle is designed according to three principles which are referred to as "The Iron Triangle" - payload, protection and performance.

"The BAE Systems Ground Systems-Navistar JLTV team has taken a user-centric design approach that provides the foundation for a future family of vehicles that will meet the Joint Services' light tactical vehicle requirements for decades to come," commented Matt Riddle, Vice President of Wheeled Vehicles at BAE Systems.

TFOT recently covered MAARS - robots designed to engage in combat against terrorists without risking soldiers' lives. Created solely for combat and equipped with easily changeable guns and sensors, these new robots come with a fail-safe mechanism to avoid targeting friendly troops or robots. TFOT also reported on a second generation Aggressor off-road alternative mobility vehicle, incorporating a new diesel-electric hybrid engine. The vehicle's engine has a unique battery-only operation mode, allowing it to switch into “silent mode” for reduced thermal/acoustic signature.

More information about BAE Systems-Navistar Joint Light Tactical Vehicle can be found here.