OWEGO, N.Y. -- Lockheed Martin's first four operational Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) prototypes, featuring at least one prototype in each vehicle category and including two variants of the Category B model, have successfully exceeded 50,000 combined miles of testing. To best simulate mission conditions, the prototypes are undergoing 2,000 miles of rigorous secondary and off-road testing weekly.

"From the time we formed our JLTV Team more than four years ago, one of our standing objectives has been to literally drive risk out of the JLTV program," said Lou DeSantis, vice president of JLTV Systems at Lockheed Martin. "Through prototyping and off-road testing, we're doing just that. Surpassing the 50,000 test mile threshold emphasizes our commitment to delivering a mature, low-risk family of vehicles for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as quickly as possible, and also speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of our entire JLTV Team."

Lockheed Martin's current JLTV family of vehicles includes four prototypes, all of which are in system test:

• The original Infantry Carrier JLTV Category B model, which is designed for troop transportation and was unveiled in October 2007;

• The Utility Vehicle Light Category C model, which is designed with a focus on payload and was introduced in February 2008;

• The General Purpose Mobility Category A model, which is designed for logistical support and was unveiled in October 2008; and

• The second variant of the Infantry Carrier Category B model, which made its public debut at the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium in February 2009.

The Lockheed Martin-led JLTV Team includes leaders in their respective fields. The BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems and Security & Survivability Systems businesses are providing production facilities for high volume assembly, automotive design support and advanced armor solutions for protection.

Alcoa Defense is supplying materials experience, design services and aluminum components that give the vehicle its structural strength at reduced weight. JWF -- Defense Systems is offering state-of-the-art machining and cost-effective fabrication. Lockheed Martin serves as the prime contractor and design agent, providing systems engineering, platform integration, design expertise, and program and supply chain management.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion

Lockheed Martin
14.08.2009