Navistar Defense wins $183m for MRAP Dash ambulances

Navistar Defense, LLC today announced that it received a $183 million delivery order for 250 International MaxxPro Dash ambulances with DXM independent suspension. The order from the US Marine Corps Systems Command for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles falls under the company's existing indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract and is Navistar's ninth major MRAP variant.

"Survivability and mobility continue to be key capabilities required to help our warfighters complete their missions safely," said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. "Medics face the same threats on the battlefield and we are proud to provide them with a vehicle that offers both MRAP level protection and independent suspension for off-road mobility."

The MaxxPro Dash ambulance is the company's latest MRAP variant and follows Navistar's November and December orders for MaxxPro Dash and Recovery vehicles. The company first unveiled its Dash Ambulance at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in October 2010 as a retrofit kit option for existing MaxxPro variants.

The vehicle includes an easy-to-use litter assist system as well as a protected work space benefitting medics and patients. This solution, paired with the company's DXM independent suspension, helps medical aid navigate rough terrain to complete its mission. Navistar currently supports a fleet of more than 8,000 MaxxPro vehicles.

"All our MaxxPro units share commonality and this allows us to respond rapidly to changing mission needs with vehicle enhancements and fleet support," said Massicotte. "This flexibility extends across our other vehicle fleets and is just one piece of a business strategy that moves us steadily toward our goal revenue base of $2 billion."

Production will occur at the company's West Point, Miss., facility. Delivery will begin and be completed by the end of September 2011.

In addition to the Dash ambulance order, Navistar last week received a $13 million delivery order for MRAP field service representatives, instructors and mechanics. The order was placed by the Marine Corps Systems Command under the company's existing MRAP contract. Work will be completed in Kuwait.

Source: Navistar International Corporation

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