Of the other bidders, analysts said the team of Lockheed-Martin Corp./BAE Systems was probably the most technologically advanced, while AM General LLC, of South Bend, Ind., had experience as the incumbent maker of the Humvee.
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The U.S. Army and Marine Corps are replacing a big chunk of their Humvee fleet and getting new wheels over the next 25 years. “More importantly, it means the fearless men and women who go into harm’s way will be protected” in a high-speed, light tactical vehicle.
Oshkosh will make the vehicles at its plant in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with deliveries beginning 10 months after award.
Szews said the Oshkosh JLTV was “fully loaded” and met the Army’s high-end targets for performance, at or below the target price.
As the JLTV victor, Oshkosh spokeswoman Jennifer Christiansen told Talk Business & Politics in May that the reason why the Wisconsin defense contractor and truck builder should be selected to build the JLTV was very simple. It beat competing bids from AM General and Lockheed Martin.
The Army required that its Hummer replacement be able to survive the most destructive improvised bombs, be mechanically reliable and maintainable with onboard diagnostics, all-terrain mobility, and linked into current and future tactical data networks, according to the CRS.
In a confident interview before the award, Bryant cited the company’s experience fielding the M-ATV and its ability to transition from development to production.
U.S. servicemen stand on and beside Humvees as they take part in a military drill in Yavoriv polygon, Lviv district, western Ukraine, on July 22, 2015. Lockheed suggested that it may do so.
Under the contract, the Marine Corps will purchase about 5,500 new light trucks, the Army added. Shares rose more than 11 percent to $42.98 in after-hours trading.
The first three years of JLTV production will be low-rate, with an anticipated output of 17,000 vehicles.
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The trio made their final submissions in January after building a series of prototypes that have been tested by the Army. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton was disappointed with the decision, but said he “stand[s] ready to assist [Lockheed] however we can” as the company decides whether to protest the decision.
