CONGRESS GETS A LOOK AT MaxxPro
26 Jul 07. Congressional leaders today got a close look at an advanced technology vehicle built to provide maximum protection for American troops from road mines and improvised explosive devices now encountered in Iraq.
The MaxxPro™ Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle—manufactured by International Military and Government LLC, a wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Corporation—was displayed on Capitol Hill where company representatives highlighted for members of Congress and staff the MRAP vehicle’s troop protection capabilities, and underscored International’s capacity for production and delivery.
Recently, the U.S. Marine Corps awarded the company a third contract to build an additional 755 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The company will now be supplying the military with 1,971 MRAP vehicles, due by February 2008 and totaling over $1.045bn.
“This is a big step forward to protect American troops,” said Archie Massicotte, president of International Military and Government LLC. “Testing at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Testing Center in conjunction with the Marine Corps has proved the new vehicle’s rugged resistance to explosion and its enhanced protection for the crew. International is pleased to bring our design and manufacturing capabilities to achieve the military requirement, and we are dedicated to delivering the MRAP vehicles on time and on budget. Protecting our military men women in harm’s way is an honor and we are proud to serve them.”
The MaxxPro vehicle’s V-shape hull design coupled with armor and other survivability features provide troops with an increased level of protection against arms fire, mineblasts, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other hazards. In addition to safer design, International Military and Government—in conjunction with its renowned suppliers and worldwide dealer, parts and service network—has the manufacturing capacity and capability to assure the earliest practicable delivery of all vehicles. Last year, Navistar International Corporation, through its subsidiaries, built more than 161,000 trucks and school buses.
International recently re-entered the military vehicle market and since 2004 has supplied more than 6,000 vehicles to the U.S. military and its allies.
Last week, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates asked Congress for approval to transfer nearly $1.2bn to the Pentagon’s MRAP program to procure an additional 2,650 vehicles. If approved, the fund transfer will make MRAP the Defense Department’s third-largest acquisition program, behind only the missile defense and Joint Strike Fighter programs.
“This contract re-establishes a long and cherished tradition of military service. For more than 100 years, International has answered the call of duty by providing America’s Armed Forces with reliable military vehicles,” concluded Massicotte.