Rheinmetall looks to international partners as its sales grow
Rheinmetall has been riding high for several years as countries look to buy artillery and budgets boom.
The US Army is adding to its Mack HDT vehicle stocks. (Photo: Mack Defense)
The US Army has ordered another 103 Mack Defense M917A3 HDTs, in addition to 446 ordered under a US$296 million contract which allowed for up to 683 trucks.
For this new order, 74 HDTs will be purchased from the presidential budget, and 29 by the National Guard.
This truck is based on the Mack Granite model and features an all-wheel-drive 8x8 configuration.
Armoured M917A3 trucks begin production vehicle tests with US Army
US Army orders more 144 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks
An armoured cab was also engineered, utilising the comfort features and amenities of a commercial truck, while adding force protection to help keep occupants safe in hostile environments.
Mack Defense engineers increased the suspension’s ride height to create a heavy dump truck capable of meeting the payload and mobility requirements set by the US Army HDT programme, according to the company.
The M917A3s are powered by 13-litre Mack MP8 engines, delivering 440hp and 1,660lb.-ft. of torque.
Both vehicle types are made at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, where production began in Q1 2021 following an investment of $6.5 million to create a dedicated HDT production line at the facility.
Rheinmetall has been riding high for several years as countries look to buy artillery and budgets boom.
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The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.