In October 2008, the team of BAE Systems, Navistar Defence and Meritor Defence was awarded one of three contracts by US Army TACOM LCMC to participate in the 27-month Technology Demonstration phase of the JLTV programme.
In May 2010, the BAE Systems-led team handed over seven JLTV prototype vehicles and four companion trailers to the US Army and Marine Corps. Northrop Grumman joined the BAE Systems-led JLTV team in April 2011. Northrop Grumman is responsible for the C4ISR systems of the vehicle.
The US Army issued a Request for Proposal for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the JLTV programme in January 2012. In March 2012, the BAE Systems-led team submitted a proposal for the EMD phase of the JLTV programme. The EMD phase of the JLTV programme calls for the delivery of 22 prototypes and associated equipment for the testing.
The EMD phase of the programme had also received five bidding proposals from other competitors by March 2012. The vehicles being proposed are the Lockheed Martin JLTV, General Tactical Vehicles' JLTV Eagle, Oshkosh's L-ATV, Navistar's Saratoga and AM General's BRV-O.
Valanx is also being offered for the Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light (PMV-L) programme. PMV-L is a part of Project Land 121-Phase 4 of the Australian Defence Force. BAE Systems delivered three right-hand drive configured Valanx vehicles to the Australian Army in June 2010.
Features of the Valanx light tactical vehicle
Valanx is based on a fully integrated, low risk modular design allowing the modifications for present and future combat scenarios. The system architecture can integrate future upgrades, such as hybrid / electric drive propulsion for greater fuel efficiency.The modular construction also accepts improvements in the areas of vehicle electronics and protection. The open architecture allows 'plug-and-play' advancements.
Valanx has an overall length of 5.5m, width of 2.4m and an operational height of 2.8m. It accommodates four crew members and can carry a payload of 1,587kg.
JLTV weaponry and self-protection equipment
The base variant is armed with no specific weapon system. The vehicle is mounted with an armoured turret, which can be fitted with a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine gun.The vehicle is provided with maximum volume of under armour. The V-shaped aluminium / titanium hull offers superior integral vehicle protection comparable with the MRAP range of vehicles.
The V-shaped underbelly optimises the protection by deflecting the mine blast away from the vehicle.
Valanx is provided with an integral A-kit armour package. The vehicle can be hinged with additional B-kit armour for enhanced protection. The under-body can withstand the blasts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-tank mines.
Ford Power Stroke engine on the Valanx
Valanx is powered by a Ford Power Stroke 6.7l turbocharged diesel engine. It delivers higher fuel economy and more superior horsepower and torque than any engine in its class.The engine is also being used in F-Series Super Duty trucks of Ford Motor Company.
Valanx is fitted with high-wheel travel independent suspension drive axle, a central tire inflation system and hydraulic braking systems, along with electronic stability control from ArvinMeritor.
The vehicle is expected to outperform the existing tactical vehicles by demonstrating superior mobility characteristics exceeding JLTV requirements.
The ride height of the vehicle can be adjusted to achieve a ground clearance of 178mm to 610mm. Valanx can be transported by road, rail, sea and air.
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