The U.S. Marine Corps has announced a program to use parts from the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle for the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, including the Gunner's Protection Kit.

The program to scavenge parts is expected to save $100 million on the expensive JLTV, according to the Marine Corps. The JLTV is designed to be a far more survivable vehicle then the HMMWV, which has been derided as being far too vulnerable to improvised explosive devices and other weapons.

The program will use existing Gunner's Protection Kits, among other parts. The kits are top-mounted turrets that can carry heavy weapons and provide shielding for the gunner.

"The harvesting strategy was developed by the JLTV Joint Program Office in 2012 as part of our efforts to meet affordability metrics for the program," Andy Rodgers, program manager for Light Tactical Vehicles in Program Executive Officer Land Systems, said in a Marine Corps press release. "Our collaboration with [Marine Corps Systems Command's] Program Manager Infantry Weapons is key to that strategy."

The Marine Corps is considering the purchase of more than 9,000 JLTVs to replace part of its 17,000 HMMWV fleet. The first purchases will include $607 million for 1,642 JLTVs in 2019. The Marine Corps plans to keep operating at least some of their HMMWVs until 2030 or longer.

The GPK is a stop-gap measure for current purposes. Marine Corps Systems Command plans to procure a new system called the Reducible Height Gunner Protection Kits, which would lower the profile of the gunner, make the vehicle more transportable and provide better protection.

"To improve the GPK's and associated tactical vehicle fleets' transportability, there is an emerging requirement for a RHGPK that would enable GPK-equipped vehicles to enter restricted height deck spaces aboard naval ships without removing the GPK," the Marine Corps said in a Request for Information issued in May.

The JLTV is planned to be the primary frontline utility vehicle for at least the U.S. Army and Marines, replacing the famous but venerable HMMWV in most combat roles.

The JLTV will be produced in a number of variants ranging from conventional troop transport, anti-tank platforms, light cargo, air defense and command and control. It has an advanced power plant that lets it function as a generator for other systems.

Related Links
The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

US Army Looking Away From Counter-Insurgency Warfare to High-Tech Future Battles
Washington DC (Sputnik) Jul 24, 2018
On Saturday, US Army Secretary Mark Esper said that the military branch's renewed emphasis on technology - like killer robots, laser weapons and hypersonic missiles - is directly linked to competition with Russia and China, both countries that are developing increasingly advanced war machines. During the Aspen Security Forum, which took place from July 18 to 21, Esper confirmed that the US Army is shifting its focus, which since 2001 has been primarily concerned with waging lower-tech counter-insu ... read more