MILITARY ~ Honor, Duty, Country

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U.S. Marine Corps Reconsiders JLTV

Apr 29, 2009



Bettina H. Chavanne [e-mail]

If Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) development prototypes do not get lighter, the U.S. Marine Corps will not participate in the program, according to the armed service's commandant.

Gen. James Conway told reporters at the Pentagon today that the Marines "will not buy a vehicle that's 20,000 pounds." Depending on what the "evolution of development looks like, we may have to depart that buy and rehabilitate what we've got," he said.

"I believe the industry hasn't stayed apace of the vision" the Marine Corps has of a lightweight vehicle that provides the same level of protection as its heavier counterparts, Conway said. He reiterated a point he has made numerous times in the past: "The Marine Corps doesn't need more MRAPs." The service is retro-fitting its Category I and II Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles with a new suspension system at what Conway called a fraction of the cost of buying new trucks. "We're pretty happy with ourselves," he added.

When pressed on the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), which has faced continual criticism for cost overruns and schedule delays, Conway was firm in his support. "I'm unequivocal on the requirement" for fast, forcible entry of Marines from 25 miles off shore, he said, adding that no other manufacturer has been able to offer what General Dynamics has in the EFV.

"If someone comes up with a faster, better, cheaper means to [get Marines ashore], then I'm happy to" look at the option, but that has not happened, Conway said.

The first three MV-22 Osprey squadrons have had great success in Iraq, Conway said. What remains is to field the tiltrotor on board a ship underway - which is next on the list. "We've got to answer questions about seaworthiness, the effects of sea air and conditions on-board ship." An upcoming Marine Expeditionary Unit will include the V-22, with a subsequent unit taking the aircraft to Afghanistan. "It will be a wonderful machine in that environment," Conway added.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/LIGHT042909.xml&headline=U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Reconsiders%20JLTV&channel=defense