|  The
MaxxPro design positions the v-shaped crew compartment on top
of International’s proven heavy-duty truck chassis. The
v-shaped hull is designed to deflect blasts away from the truck
to minimize impact around the crew area.
Plasan is introducing a multi-stage system including various
design concepts and materials designed to mitigate the damage
from blast and fragmentation. These measures include the creation
of a buffer between the floor and the vehicle’s armor,
the attachment of flooring to the vehicle’s body in order
to disperse blast effects, a shock-absorbent foam floor, a patented
collapsible seat, and a Suspended Mine Blast Resistant Seat
(patent pending) that isolates the seat occupant from direct
shockwaves. These designs have been extensively tested in the
US and Israel - both in testing facilities and in actual conflict
situations - and has significantly increased the survivability
of vehicle occupants.
The armor suite was recently implemented in the MaxxPro model
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle developed by
International Trucks for the USMC MRAP program. In January 29
International was awarded an initial contract to supply four
test vehicles for the USMC MRAP
program. A first view of the MRAP Category I vehicle was
released by Plasan Sasa, the team's Israeli armor designer.
International plans to assemble the armor kits at its armor
integration center in Mississippi. By February 2008 International
is expected to deliver close to 2,000 MaxxPro MRAPs under a
US Marine Corps
contract worth over one billion US$.
With specialization covering four of today’s major ballistic
technologies - Metal Composite Armor, Composite Ceramic Armor,
high performance Polyethylene armor and SMART, Plasan offers
a unique expertise in the armor industry. Its SMART modular
matrix based armor is used in various solutions including personal
protection and vehicle platforms. This lightweight armor is
made of ceramic segments that allow optimal protection, including
three dimensional curved shapes, enhancing crew survivability,
improving multi-hit performance and weather sealing, and enabling
comfort and agility.
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