Navistar Defense has received a US$357 million delivery order for an additional 471 MaxxPro Dash mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles. The order from the US Marine Corps Systems Command follows last month’s delivery order for 250 MaxxPro Dash Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) ambulances.
The MaxxPro fleet now musters 8700 units. “Navistar has quickly grown its fleet … by leveraging its current commercial capabilities and assets, which includes the proven commercial International WorkStar platform. “First, the company added the DXM independent suspension solution capability to new production vehicles. This was followed by orders for the new MaxxPro Recovery vehicle and most recently the MaxxPro Dash ambulance. The company has also developed a MaxxPro flatbed truck,” Navistar said in a statement.
The first two MaxxPro vehicles were delivered for testing to the US military at the Aberdeen Proving Ground as recently as March 2007. Following testing, a first order for 1200 MRAP Category 1 MaxxPro vehicles was placed by the US Marine Corps Systems Command on May 31, 2007 for delivery by February 2008.
“We have nine major MaxxPro variants in or on their way to theatre today thanks to the flexibility of our proven vehicle platforms,” says Navistar Defense president Archie Massicotte. “The MaxxPro Dash was the first MRAP to be modified specifically for the Afghan terrain and we have continued to enhance its capabilities all along the way. Keeping our warfighters equipped is priority one.”
While the MaxxPro family of vehicles has contributed to Navistar’s growth into new markets, the company has fielded more than 32 000 vehicles since 2004. This includes sales of the MaxxPro, International® MXT™, as well as vehicles based on the International® PayStar® and WorkStar platforms, the company says.
Production of the new units will occur in Garland, Texas, and West Point, Miss. Deliveries will be completed by September.
