BAE Systems and Navistar Defense have completed its critical design review (CDR) for the U.S. multi-service Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program

. The CDR was part of BAE System's 27-month contract to develop JLTV technology.

With the completion of the CDR, the companies can begin vehicle integration, assembly, test and checkout (IAT&C) activities to deliver test vehicles to the government by May 2010.

"This review demonstrates the BAE Systems-Navistar JLTV design is mature and balances program payload, protection and performance requirements," said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of new vehicles and amphibious systems for BAE Systems. "We are pleased that our design - built around the needs of the Warfighter - passed this significant milestone and we are looking forward to moving into the test and evaluation portion of JLTV's TD phase."

Two JLTV prototypes were used for internal testing and to provide information for the CDR. The JLTV design also incorporates lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program and features the latest in lightweight, advanced armor and a V-shaped hull design. Arvin Meritor is also part of the design team.