Hendrickson, a Boler Company, and AxleTech International, a General Dynamics company, were awarded two contracts from Navistar Defense, LLC to equip 250 International MaxxPro Dash ambulances and 471 mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles with independent suspension systems. Hendrickson and AxleTech have teamed to develop the suspension systems that will be delivered for vehicle integration under two recent U.S. Marine Corps contracts.
As the Tier 1 supplier, Hendrickson leveraged its extensive experience with heavy-duty suspension design and systems and in-vehicle integration to manage the program and lead the engineering, testing and validation of the system, out of their headquarters and advanced test laboratory located in Woodridge, IL. The system utilizes AxleTech’s field-proven planetary axle independent suspension technology for the MaxxPro Dash. The axles for the MaxxPro Dash program are assembled by AxleTech on a dedicated, state-of-the-art assembly line, joining AxleTech’s independent suspension system to Hendrickson’s engineered sub-frame.
Production work began in June 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 will be completed in September 2011.
Doug Sanford, the vice president and general manager of Hendrickson’s Truck Suspension Systems states, “Hendrickson is pleased to have been awarded this business from Navistar Defense. As the Tier I supplier, we have partnered with AxleTech to supply important axle components for this integrated system. Our combined suspension/axle solution provides advanced independent technology for the MaxxPro Dash ambulance and MRAP vehicle. Furthermore, we are proud to use our expertise in vehicle dynamics, suspension design and vehicle integration to help develop high-performing emergency vehicles that help protect our soldiers.”
“AxleTech’s state-of-the-art 5000 Series Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS) will be incorporated with Hendrickson technology to equip MaxxPro Dash ambulances and MRAP vehicles with extreme mobility and maneuverability through rugged terrain, contributing to life-saving, critical care for injured warfighters and offering confidence to the commander for a successful mission,” says Gerry Giudici, vice president and general manager of AxleTech International. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hendrickson to supply Navistar Defense with a world-class product to enhance the vehicle’s ride control, handling and safety.”
