Brazilian Navy orders JLTVs

Oshkosh ships the Banks-powered vehicles around the globe including to the Brazilian Navy.

According to information published by the Defesa Aera & Naval website, Brazil is the latest country to add American-made JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles) for infantry units of its Naval Forces. The vehicles will be entered into service in 2022.

The JLTV program provides the Army and Marine Corps with a general-purpose, light tactical vehicle that delivers the optimal balance of protection, payload, and performance, enhancing the effectiveness of ground combat and supporting forces.

The state-of-the-art vehicles are equipped with an advanced crew protection system. It offers a protection level similar to Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. A digitally-controlled Gale Banks Engineering D866T V-8 turbo-diesel powers the JLTV. The diesel is based on GM’s Duramax architecture. 

In addition to the Brazilian Navy, Banks makes military engines all over the globe. Gale’s video explains. 

At Banks’ request, General Motors reopened the Duramax engine plant in Moraine, Ohio, to build Banks D866T defense-specific 6.6-liter diesel base engines. These engines power the U.S. Military’s new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, the replacement for the HMMWV (Humvee).

The DMAX Ltd. plant was dark. Yet they re-opened to build Banks engines and only Banks engines. The effort put people back to work in both Ohio and at the Banks Tech engine assembly plant in Azusa, California.