Family Of Forklifts

The Family Of Forklifts program is a key Army procurement initiative under the Other Procurement, Army appropriation, specifically focused on Material Handling Equipment. The primary goal of this line item is to modernize and sustain the Army's fleet of forklifts to support multi-domain operations, logistics, and expeditionary deployments. The program addresses critical capability gaps in material handling during Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), homeland defense, and disaster relief missions. The procurement is justified by the need to equip Maneuver, Maneuver Support, and Sustainment Units with reliable and versatile material handling systems, ensuring operational effectiveness in diverse environments.

The 5K Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) is a central component of the Family Of Forklifts program. The LCRTF is designed to provide rugged, dual-use capability for rapid handling, transport, and stacking of materials. Its objectives include clearing landing zones, loading and unloading combat vehicles and aircraft, and moving artillery assets and supplies. The LCRTF is unique in its ability to rapidly enter, pack, and unpack ISO containers, load tactical vehicles and trailers, and handle light equipment and cargo. The Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for the LCRTF reflects the scale of the requirement across Active, Reserve, and National Guard components.

The All-Terrain Lifter, Army System (ATLAS) represents the heavy-lift segment of the forklift family, with a high lift capability and variable reach. The ATLAS is essential for handling all classes of supply, loading and unloading standard Army pallets in ISO containers, and managing break-bulk cargo on Air Force 463L pallets. It is a critical enabler for the Army's Container Oriented Distribution System, supporting the deployment and sustainment of expeditionary forces. The ATLAS is designed for cross-country mobility, operates in all terrains, and is C130 air transportable, with a road speed suitable for operational requirements. The AAO for ATLAS supports Brigade Combat Teams and seven Army branches.

Procurement objectives for FY 2026 include the acquisition of LCRTF systems, with funding allocated for hardware, support equipment, program support, transportation, and fielding costs. The program supports both base requirements and contingency operations, ensuring readiness for domestic emergency responses and military support to civil authorities. The procurement strategy leverages Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) solutions, enabling rapid fielding and cost efficiency. JCB Inc. of Pooler, GA, is the primary contractor, with deliveries scheduled through Detroit Arsenal, MI.

Program management and system engineering are integral to the Family Of Forklifts line item, with dedicated funding for data, engineering changes, and logistics support. Fielding and transportation costs are included to ensure timely deployment of forklifts to operational units. The program also incorporates crew survivability enhancements in line with the Army's Long Term Armor Strategy, particularly for the ATLAS variant. Both LCRTF and ATLAS systems meet EPA Tier III emissions requirements, supporting Army sustainability and regulatory compliance goals.

The Family Of Forklifts program is structured to provide critical dual-use equipment for both military and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations, such as disaster relief. The forklifts are essential for rapid response in domestic emergencies, homeland defense, and support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The program ensures that Active, Reserve, and National Guard units have access to modern material handling capabilities for a range of operational scenarios.