MILITARY VEHICLE NEWS
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23 Feb 09. Navistar Defense, LLC will compete to supply the next generation of MRAPs with a vehicle based on its International® MXT™ vehicle platform. The company delivered two vehicles today to undergo testing in the U.S. military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program. Navistar’s MXT-based design provides the same production and delivery advantages offered by its original MRAP product, the International® MaxxPro®, but in a lighter and more mobile configuration. The company’s M-ATV unit also incorporates the survivability protection expected from all of Navistar’s MRAP vehicles. Designed to navigate Afghanistan’s rough terrain and perform in off-road conditions, Navistar’s M-ATV unit utilizes a specially-designed, light-weight armor, which is incorporated into the survivability system. While the platform of the company’s M-ATV vehicle varies from its MaxxPro MRAP, which is based on the International® WorkStar® platform, the smaller base allows Navistar’s unit to weigh significantly less than its MaxxPro Dash – the lightest of the company’s MRAP units and in service now in Afghanistan. “We are proud to submit a vehicle based on our MXT platform, which was designed to fill a gap that existed between smaller traditional armored 4×4’s and larger transport vehicles,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “By utilizing our existing commercial platform, we are able to rapidly advance our vehicle design and provide the military with a product that supports mission needs in Afghanistan.” Navistar’s M-ATV unit is powered by a MaxxForce™ D 6.0 L V8 engine designed to maximize speed and payload capability. The company would also be able to support its M-ATV units in theater through its existing dealer and parts and support network, which includes locations in Afghanistan. “Since our original MRAP award in May 2007, Navistar has delivered more than 6,000 MaxxPro vehicles to the military,” said Massicotte. “We are also dedicated to the rapid modification of our vehicles to meet evolving mission needs. In less than 18 months, we were able to modify and deliver six MaxxPro MRAP variants.” While the company competes to provide the U.S. military with M-ATV vehicles specially designed for Afghanistan, Navistar is fielding a similar MXT-based vehicle with the United Kingdom for the same mission purpose in Afghanistan. As part of the United Kingdom’s Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) program, Navistar’s vehicle will be called the Husky.
27 Feb 09. Oshkosh told BATTLESPACE at AUSA that it had received a contract from the DoD to replace all suspension units on the fleet of Force Protection Cougars with its uprated and proven TAK-4 suspension as on the 10,000 MTVR vehicles already supplied to the USMC. This suspension will give the vehicles much needed capability to drive off-road and thus away from continuing IED threats. It was not clear whether the UK’s Ridgback vehicles will be fitted with a similar system. The same system is also on the Oshkosh MAT-V offering. (See: M-ATV TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT AUSA)
Feb 09. Lockheed Martin unveiled its fourth operational Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) prototype, a second variant of its Infantry Carrier Category B model, at AUSA. Since October 2007, the Lockheed Martin-led JLTV Team has introduced four prototypes: its original Infantry Carrier JLTV Category B model, which is designed for troop transportation and was unveiled in October 2007; the Utility Vehicle Light Category C model, which is designed with a focus on payload and was introduced in February 2008; the General Purpose Mobility Category A model, which is designed for logistical support and was unveiled in October 2008; and the second variant of the Infantry Carrier Category B model, which made its public debut today. “We have designed, developed and extensively tested mature JLTV vehicles,” said Lou DeSantis, vice pres