International MaxxPro MPV
Type	MRAP Category 1 & 2
Service history
Used by	US Armed Forces
Wars	Iraq war
Production history
Designer	International Truck/Plasan
Designed	2007
Manufacturer	International Truck
Produced	2007
Number built	1955 as of February 2008 + a further 3,300 ordered[1]
Specifications
Weight	27,850-29,850 lbs[2]
Length	254"- 282"
Width	99"
Height	120"
Diameter	58'-68'
Crew	6-10
Engine	9.3L International MaxxForce D9.3I6 I6[3] 330 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Power/weight	18.9 - 20 hp/US ton
Payload capacity	3,650-11,150 lbs
Transmission	Allison 3000 5-speed automatic
Suspension	4x4, wheeled Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Ground clearance	14"

The International MaxxPro MPV is an armored fighting vehicle designed by Navistar International's subsidiary International Military and Government LLC (IMG) along with the Israeli Plasan Sasa, who designed and manufactures the vehicle's armor.^[4] The vehicle was designed to take part in the US Military's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program, led by the US Marine Corps, as well as a similar Army-led program, the Medium Mine Protected Vehicle.^[5] Three variants are produced: a smaller Category 1 vehicle, a larger Category 2 MaxxPro XL, and the MaxxPro Plus that includes increased EFP protection. All three versions share a common platform.^[6]

[edit] Operators

Initially just two vehicles were delivered for testing at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in March 2007.

Following testing, a first order for 1,200 MRAP Category 1 MaxxPro vehicles was placed by the US Marine Corps Systems Command on May 31, 2007 for delivery by February 2008.^{[7][dead link]} However, as the Marine Corps is overseeing the entire MRAP program, it is unclear which branches of the US Armed Services will be receiving the vehicles, and in what numbers.^[8] The contract was worth over $623 million, making it then the biggest MRAP contract to date. The US Marine Corps plans to replace all HMMWVs "outside the wire" in Iraq with MRAP vehicles.^{[9][dead link]}

A further order for 16 Category 2 versions (dubbed MaxxPro XL) was placed on June 19, 2007 for delivery by September 2007.^[6]

An additional 755 Category 1 MaxxPros were ordered on July 20, 2007, also for delivery by February 2008, and a third order for a further 1,000 vehicles was announced on October 18, 2007.^{[10][11][dead link]}

In the final order of 2007 a further 1,500 Category 1 MaxxPros were ordered bringing the total to 4,471.^[12] Of total MRAP orders to the end of 2007, 45% are MaxxPros (66% of Category 1 MRAPs).

In the first order of 2008, 743 Category I MaxxPros were ordered. The MaxxPro was by now the only Category I MRAP still receiving fresh orders. ^{[13][dead link]}

[edit] Design

The MaxxPro utilizes a crew capsule with a V-shaped hull, mounted on an International WorkStar 7000 chassis. The V-hull deflects the blast of a land mine or improvised explosive device (IED) away from the vehicle to protect its occupants. Because the chassis is mounted outside the armored crew capsule, there are concerns that it will likely be destroyed in the event of an ambush, leaving the soldiers inside stranded.^[5] However, according to Navistar spokesperson Roy Wiley, the MaxxPro "did extremely well during the tests, and we are extremely pleased." ^[8] This design may prove as effective as the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann ATF Dingo that uses a similar design, one which mounts an armored capsule to a Unimog chassis. This design has survived a 7kg (15 lb) land mine blast with no injuries.^[14]

First MaxxPros fielded in Iraq.

On 2008-01-19 a 3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army soldier, an exposed turret gunner, was killed in a Navistar MaxxPro MRAP vehicle by an ANFO IED estimated at 600lbs.^[15] It is unknown whether the gunner was killed by the explosion or by the vehicle when it rolled over after the blast. However, the vehicle’s v-hull was not compromised. The crew compartment also appeared to be uncompromised in the attack, and the three other crew members who were all inside the vehicle survived; one with a shattered left foot, a broken nose and several broken teeth; the driver with a fractured foot; and the third was unhurt and returned to duty the following day.^{[15][16][17][18]}

According to IMG, the vehicle is designed with operational readiness in mind and utilizes standardized, easily available parts, to ensure rapid repair and maintenance.^[19] The armored body is bolted together instead of welded, as in other MRAPs. This facilitates repair in the field and is a contributing factor to Navistar's greater production capacity for the MaxxPro.^[20]

[edit] MaxxPro Plus

MaxxPro Plus.

On June 16, 2008 Navistar debuted a new version called MaxxPro Plus. MaxxPro Plus has increased engine power and payload, as well as Frag Kit 6 enhancements for increased explosively formed penetrator protection. ^[21]

[edit] MaxxPro Dash

On September 4, 2008 the U.S. Marine Corp. awarded Navistar a $752 million contract to develop and produce a lighter, smaller, and more mobile MaxxPro variant that is less prone to the rollover problems that have plagued MRAP vehicles. MaxxPro Dash has a smaller turning radius and higher torque to weight ratio. Production of the MaxxPro Dash will begin in October 2008 with delivery of 822 units to be completed by February 2009.^[22][23]

[edit] See also

• International FTTS
• International MXT-MV
• MRAP U.S. Military Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Video of first MaxxPro fielded in Iraq at Youtube