Navistar Defense was awarded a $752 million contract to produce 1,050 enhanced ‘MaxxPro Dash’ Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Unlike previous version of the MRAP, the new models of the lighter ‘Dash’ will be fitted with DXM independent suspension systems provided Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems and AxleTech International. This vehicle upgrade further improves the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, which is vital given Afghanistan’s lack of road infrastructure. Navistar will conduct work at its Garland, Texas, and West Point, Miss., assembly plants. Deliveries will begin in April and will be completed by the summer of 2010. Parts are not included in the contract.
“After conducting an extensive trade study, we selected a no-compromises suspension system for our MaxxPro,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “The design also minimizes the effort needed to integrate the system onto existing vehicles, which will accelerate the delivery of this important modification should the Army be interested in retrofitting our MaxxPro and 7000 Series fleets.”
Since May 2007, Navistar has received orders for a total of 7,494 MaxxPro MRAP vehicles to help combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other threats. In late 2008, the company modified its design for added mobility and produced the MaxxPro Dash MRAP variant. The addition of an independent suspension solution further improves mobility and is one of several capability insertions that will be incorporated into the next 1,050 MaxxPro Dash units.
Navistar also has provided more than 8,100 International 7000 Series vehicles to the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
