ARLINGTON, Va. -- BAE Systems, through its U.S. Combat Systems line of business, teammates Navistar Defense and ArvinMeritor, are proud to announce an on-time delivery of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The prototypes will undergo a 12-month rigorous government test and evaluation period as part of the JLTV Technology Development (TD) phase.

The BAE Systems -- Navistar -- ArvinMeritor team handed over seven JLTV prototype vehicles and four companion trailers to the U.S. Army in a ceremony last week at the Navistar Defense productions facility in West Point, Miss. The mix of vehicles included two JLTV Category A General Purpose vehicles, four JLTV Category B Infantry Carriers, one Category C Utility Carrier.

In January 2009 Australia entered into a Land Force Capability Modernization (LFCM) Project Arrangement (PA) for the TD phase of the JLTV program, enabling tactical vehicle interoperability and integration between U.S. future forces and Australian land forces. In support of the Australian Department of Defence, the team is now focused on completing the build of three additional variants and a companion trailer that will be delivered in June. These vehicles are designed to be highly compatible with the U.S. variants, ensuring interoperability between forces, yet tailored specifically to meet the needs of the Australian troops.

"Our rich history and extensive experience with combat vehicles has allowed us to develop a JLTV family of vehicles design that represents a balance between performance, protection and payload," said Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of New Vehicles and Amphibious Systems for BAE Systems. "We have invested heavily in the development of the technology and capabilities that a platform like JLTV could provide to the modern day war fighter."

The JLTV design incorporates lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program and features the latest in lightweight, advanced armor and a V-shaped hull design to provide maximum crew protection.

"The BAE Systems - Navistar - ArvinMeritor team brings a balance of military, production and automotive experience to the program," said Archie Massicotte, president of Navistar Defense. "We work hard to provide vehicles that are safe to operate and survivable against current threats. We also understand that our design needs to be flexible so it can evolve ahead of future threat levels."

The team builds off the three companies' current leadership in armored and tactical vehicle development and support. Combined, the BAE Systems - Navistar -- ArvinMeritor team maximizes JLTV program value through proven capabilities, lean manufacturing and extensive worldwide logistics support.

The team draws on top talent from across the country. Sites participating in the development include: York, Pennsylvania; Ontario, San Diego and Santa Clara, California; Dearborn Heights, Sterling Heights and Troy, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Johnson City, New York; Austin, Texas; Nashua, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia; Melrose Park and Warrenville, Illinois; Fort Wayne, Indiana; West Point, Mississippi; Huntsville, Alabama; and Laurinberg and Aiken, South Carolina.

BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of GBP 22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

Navistar Defense is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NAV 49.71, +1.37, +2.83%) , a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International(R) brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce(R) brand diesel engines, IC Bus(TM) brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse(R) brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket for the transportation and industrial sectors. The company marked its centennial anniversary in 2009, celebrating a long history of 'forward thinking.' The company serves commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM.

Navistar
04.05.2010