The prototypes will undergo a 12-month rigorous government test and evaluation period as part of the JLTV Technology Development phase.
In January 2009 Australia entered into a Land Force Capability Modernization Project Arrangement for the TD phase of the JLTV program, enabling tactical vehicle interoperability and integration between US 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 US variants, ensuring interoperability between forces, yet tailored specifically to meet the needs of the Australian troops.
"Our 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," Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of New Vehicles and Amphibious Systems for BAE Systems, said.
"We have invested heavily in the development of the technology and capabilities that a platform like JLTV could provide to the modern-day warfighter."
The JLTV design incorporates lessons learned from the US Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program and features the latest in lightweight, advanced armour and a V-shaped hull design to provide maximum crew protection.
A weighty issue
The US military will find out if the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle prototypes received last week meet stated weight requirements as the program office evaluates the trucks, but questions linger about whether they will be light enough for the Marines.
"There is intense pressure by Marine Corps leadership to focus industry on reducing the weight of the JLTV," Bill Taylor, head of the service's Program Executive Office for Land Systems, told Inside the Navy through a spokesman last month.
"Meeting the current requirement as specified is not good enough. We have to go beyond the requirement to maintain the Marine Corps' expeditionary capabilities."