By Matthew Cox
QUANTICO, Va.–Navistar Defense [NAV] rolled out its new high-mobility Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) here that’s designed to withstand Afghanistan’s punishing, off-road terrain.
The 7400 series 6×6 truck features the DXM independent suspension, provided by the Boler Company subsidary, Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems and AxleTech International [GD]. Navistar selected this suspension system after conducting an extensive study of industry.
“We looked at everybody’s independent suspension,” Pat Kelley, director of product development for Navistar Defense, said here at this year’s Modern Day Marine Exposition at Quantico Marine Base.
“We looked at capability, wheel travel, durability, ratings — you name it. And we concluded that this is the best performer.”
The DXM design is easily compatible with Navistar’s existing MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protective (MRAP) Vehicles and 7000 series medium tactical vehicles should the military be interested in retrofitting the company’s fleets, Navistar officials said.
The 7400 can climb a 60-percent gradient and maneuver on 40 percent side slopes. It also features automatic traction control, anti-lock brakes, self-diagnostics and a central tire inflation system.
The new MTV is based on Navistar’s 7000-MV platform, a medium tactical vehicle that has been fielded since 2005 in 13 variants.
“We have sold this truck 21,000 times,” said Jim Grooms, director of fleet support at Navistar Defense.
The 7400, with a 13 liter, engine is capable of 550 horsepower. It has a 70-gallon fuel tank and a payload capacity of 60,000 pounds.
It’s uses the same chassis as Navistar’s MaxxPro MRAP. Navistar has fielded about 8,000 MaxxPros in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Navistar recently completed building 1,130 of it’s newer MaxxPro Dash vehicles with the same DXM independent suspension for fielding in Afghanistan. An additional 1,222 Dash units already in operation will also soon be retrofitted with the DXM suspension solution.
Navistar officials also maintain that the 7400, because it is a version of their commercial truck, can be fixed at any of its 1,100 dealers.
“You can role into any dealer, world-wide and because it is a international truck, they can service it,” Grooms said.
The military has not bought any of the new 7400s, but Navistar officials maintain that this type of off-road performance will be needed in Afghanistan, an extremely rugged country that lacks a modern highway system.
“It’s a natural progression,” said Louis Torres, who handles business development for Navistar Defense. “The customers are definitely there.”