WEST POINT — Navistar Defense, LLC received a $880 million delivery order Tuesday to upgrade 2,717 International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
The order from the U.S. Marine Corps System Command calls for MaxxPro units to be upgraded with the company’s rolling chassis solution. The award also includes engineering changes, supplies and services.
Navistar’s West Point operation, which employs about 100 people, is considered the company’s military hub, said spokeswoman Elissa Koc. The order begins this month and will extend through October 2013.
No new jobs will be added, though the order is essential in maintaining the current level of jobs as contract requirements dictate workforce requirements, Koc said.
“As defense budgets are being reduced, it is imperative that we continue to develop economical solutions that repurpose assets while also working to ensure warfighters have access to emerging technologies and capabilities,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Our rolling chassis solution allows us to leverage our unique vehicle design and replace an older chassis with a new, highly mobile independent suspension chassis. During all this we keep the armored capsule intact while creating commonality through the entire MaxxPro fleet.”
Under the delivery order, MaxxPro vehicles will be retrofitted with new rolling chassis. This enhancement further improves the vehicle’s off-road capability with the addition of the DXM independent suspension, a MaxxForce 9.3 engine, 570 amp alternator and driveline.
The company has fielded nearly 9,000 MaxxPro vehicles and continues to anticipate needed vehicle capabilities and enhancements for its entire fleet of 32,000 vehicles.
“As the operational tempo continues to impact the Army’s truck fleet, we will continue to leverage our commercial infrastructure to sustain the fleet through maintenance, repair and rebuild activities,” said Massicotte.
In addition to rolling chassis, Navistar is also considering new vehicle options. In October, the company unveiled its new International Saratoga light tactical vehicle, which Navistar has been testing for the last year at its own expense.
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