Hendrickson, a Boler Company, and AxleTech International, a General Dynamics company, were recently awarded a contract from Navistar Defense, LLC, to equip 2,717 International MaxxPro Long Wheel Base (LWB) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles with independent suspension systems. This order continues the team’s work to enhance the capability of the entire MaxxPro fleet, which recently included procurement of new MaxxPro Dash vehicles and the MaxxPro Dash ambulance variant.
Hendrickson’s integrated independent suspension system for the MaxxPro LWB MRAP program incorporates Hendrickson’s advanced engineered sub-frames, sway-bars, coil springs and shocks with AxleTech’s 5000 Series Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS). This state-of-the-art system delivers improved mobility in rough terrain, better control and greater wheel travel to improve driver efficiency at higher off-road speeds. As the Tier 1 supplier, Hendrickson will supply the completed suspension systems to Navistar for installation on the MRAP vehicles, which will ultimately be delivered to the U.S. Army.
Production work for the MaxxPro upgrades is conducted at Hendrickson’s Kendallville, IN, facility, which has a workforce of approximately 215 employees, and AxleTech’s Oshkosh, WI, facility, which has a workforce of approximately 200 employees. Deliveries began in January 2012 and will be completed in October 2013.
Doug Sanford, the vice president and general manager of Hendrickson’s Truck Suspension Systems states, “Hendrickson and Navistar Defense’s long-standing and strong cooperative relationship has once again produced a highly-engineered, advanced vehicle capable of protecting our military and allowing them to perform and excel in harsh environments. We have teamed with AxleTech to supply highly engineered and technologically advanced components for the MaxxPro program. Our leading-edge independent suspension design and vehicle integration expertise, coupled with Navistar Defense’s strength in developing durable, rugged military vehicles, has produced a revolutionary MRAP vehicle platform.”
“The AxleTech/Hendrickson system will modernize and standardize the suspension system of the Army’s MaxxPro fleet,” says Gerry Giudici, vice president and general manager of AxleTech International. “In partnership with Hendrickson, we are delivering a world-class product that enhances the vehicle’s mobility, ride control, handling and safety.”
