2/503rd Paratroopers check-out Army’s replacement for the HMMWV

Photo By Corinna Baltos | RUKLA, Lithuania – Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment “The Rock”, 173rd Airborne Brigade, check out the interior of the soon to be issued Light Combat All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) Oct. 18. The vehicle was brought to Lithuania for testing and will be fielded to airborne units first in 2019.  

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

10.18.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

RUKLA, Lithuania – For over thirty years, HMMWVs have been the go-to vehicle for U.S. forces wishing to put boots and tires on the ground. Like the Willys Jeep your grandfather used in World War II, the “Humvee” has become a cultural icon.

However, it is about to be replaced by Oshkosh Defense’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (J-LTV).

While the vehicle will not be fielded until 2019, Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment “The Rock”, 173rd Airborne Brigade, got a chance to see the vehicle up close Oct. 18, when one of the vehicles was brought from Michigan to Lithuania for testing.

“We found that in Afghanistan the up-armored HMMWV was too big and heavy, and it lost a lot in performance,” said Lt. Col. Rob Barnhill, Product Manager Systems Integration, Joint Program Office.

The Army set about developing a new vehicle.

“We wanted to develop a truck with better underbody protection, and load protection, but one that could still put 3,500 pounds of payload in it,” said Col. Shane Fulmer, Product Manager Systems Integration, Joint Program Office. “This vehicle fits the bill.”

The L-ATV will come in two types, a four-passenger combat vehicle and a two-seat combat support vehicle. It carries a maximum weight of 15,639 pounds, which makes it light enough to be transported by helicopter and makes it easier for off-road mobility.

In 2010, the L-ATV’s off-road capability and speed allowed an early development version to become the first military vehicle to compete in the Baja 1000 desert race.

After inspecting the vehicle, the Paratroopers were impressed.

“It’s really nice,” said Pfc. Raymond Bohrer, Able Company. “The computers are not directly in your face, and there is a lot more room. I have long legs and can sit comfortably.”

• Date Taken: 10.18.2016
• Date Posted: 10.19.2016 04:19
• Story ID: 212338
• Location: RUKLA, LT