HIAWATHA, Iowa, 20 June 2008. Crystal Group Inc., a veteran-owned small business and manufacturer of rugged, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-developed computers and displays, has joined the Northrop Grumman Corp. and Oshkosh Corp. team that is competing to build the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JTLV will replace the current fleet of military Humvees for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

Crystal Group will provide rugged computing equipment for the team's offering. The small form factor, sealed server with custom design elements was chosen for extended capabilities in processing power, shock/vibe, temperature ranges, sand/dust, and immersion protection.

Crystal Group will be one of the top five subcontractors heading up the Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh team that is competing to build the JLTV.

The Defense Department is expected to decide this summer which industry competitors will continue into the next development phase of the $40 billion program.

The JLTV must be stronger and more survivable than the Humvee and more mobile and maneuverable than the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, or MRAP, now being deployed in Iraq.

The JLTV offered by Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh team features diesel-electric drive.

Northrop Grumman Corp. and Oshkosh Corp. joined forces to compete for the JLTV program on Jan. 8. If selected, Northrop Grumman would be the prime contractor and systems integrator, whereas Oshkosh would design, engineer, and manufacture the vehicle and Crystal Group would provide the rugged computing equipment.