Two truck manufacturers Oshkosh and International were selected among nine companies proposing vehicles for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program, each providing two Category I and two Category II vehicles for testing. The Category I vehicle is the smaller of the two vehicles, intended for urban operations and referred to as the Mine Resistant Utility Vehicle (MRUV). The Category II vehicle is a larger platform, designated as the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV), and is designed to carry up to 10 passengers on multiple types of missions. Oshkosh is submitting the Australian combat proven Bushmaster armored vehicle as its proposed vehicle for MRAP. The vehicle is currently operated by the Australian Army in Iraq.
International Trucks and Engines has teamed with the Israeli armor expert Plasan Sasa to provide MRAP vehicles. The two companies have already completed another armoring design, fitting add-on armor cab to the MXT-MV utility vehicle.
International’s trucks will utilize a modular concept to armor its trucks for the MRAP bid. The design maintains the standard chassis to ensure commonality and enable worldwide support, while assembling the modular, V-shaped crew compartment hull on top. The V-shaped hull helps to deflect any blasts from underneath the truck to dissipate around the crew area, minimizing damage. The chassis types selected for the bid include commercial trucks built to carry heavy loads, therefore accommodating the weight of protective armor built into the truck design. This design maintains the vehicle’s maneuverability even under full loads.
International’s has an armor integration center in Mississippi, and is teamed with Israeli armor expert Plasan Sasa to design and produce the protection suit for International’s MRAP model. In March 2007 the company will deliver to the U.S. Marines four vehicles for testing.
Armor Holdings is designing an armored hull to be installed on the FMTV truck chassis, produced by its subsidiary Stewart Stevenson. (below)
