Army releases JLTV technology market survey

The Army is interested in anti-idle technology that could be available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle follow-on contract, according to a market survey the service released June 7.

Anti-idle technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not moving, could "improve the fuel efficiency by 5% or more on the JLTV," according to the market survey.

This is the second market survey the Army has released for technology enhancements in the follow-on JLTV contract. The contract, which will be worth up to $12.3 billion when it is awarded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022, is expected to include minor upgrades to the vehicle over the current-generation JLTV.

Developmental anti-idle technology, which the Army plans to demonstrate this year, could reduce JLTV fuel usage by 25%, Timothy Goddette, deputy assistant Army secretary for acquisition policy and logistics, said at a congressional hearing last month.

Questions about a number of driver assistance technologies, many of which currently appear in commercial automobiles, were included in the market survey. This included surround view cameras, on-screen guiding lines when driving in reverse, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and hill descent control.

The market survey asks about options for a new driver display unit, which would operate in conjunction with a "centralized vetronics computer hub." The display would provide information about the vehicle's status, and it would provide access to some of the JLTV's features.

GM Defense has announced plans to compete for the follow-on JLTV contract against Oshkosh Defense, which currently produces the vehicle and has lowered costs since it won the original production contract.