DTN News: Navistar Defense Debuts Its Husky Tactical Support Vehicle At U.K. Vehicle Show

DTN News: Navistar Defense Debuts Its Husky Tactical Support Vehicle At U.K. Vehicle Show

*Sources: DTN News / Navistar Defense

(NSI News Source Info) WARRENVILLE, Ill. - July 1, 2009: Navistar Defense, LLC today debuted its International® Husky Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) at the U.K. Ministry of Defence vehicle show known as DVD.

In April, the Ministry of Defence awarded the company a contract to provide 262 Husky vehicles. Organized by the Ministry’s Defence Equipment and Support division, DVD offers attendees the chance to see vehicles in action on the show’s off-road course.

Specially designed to meet U.K. urgent operational requirements in Afghanistan, the lighter and more mobile Husky is built to navigate the rough Afghan terrain, while offering added protection from ballistics fire, mines and roadside bombs.

The Husky, which is the medium variant for the TSV program, will be procured in three vehicle types: patrol, ambulance and command vehicle.

Integrated with U.K. specific systems by Dytecna, the vehicle accommodates a four-person crew and is equipped with a MaxxForce® D 6.0 L V8 engine, Allison five-speed automatic transmission, and also incorporates Plasan Sasa’s armouring solution.

Last month, Navistar also delivered its first two Husky prototypes, ahead of schedule, to undergo final requirements testing before full production begins this summer.

“The Navistar team is going after an aggressive delivery commitment to provide our U.K. forces with the equipment they need as soon as possible,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Not only will we deliver quickly to support those in theater, but Navistar is prepared to rapidly incorporate design changes into our vehicles as in-theater threats evolve.”

Navistar Defense is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, the Monaco®, Holiday Rambler®, Safari®, Beaver®, McKenzieTM and R-Vision® brand RVs, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine and service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at http://www.navistar.com/newsroom

British Troops In Afghanistan Will Receive 'Husky or MXT-MV' From Navistar

British Troops In Afghanistan Will Receive 'Husky or MXT-MV' From Navistar

(NSI News Source Info) April 6, 2009: Work has started on a fleet of over 200 new 'go anywhere' vehicles which will greatly improve the protection of British troops in Afghanistan. Under a contract worth almost £120m, the US company Navistar Defense is building and supporting the new Husky vehicle which has been designed for a range of missions including transporting food, water and ammunition, and acting as a command vehicle at headquarters.

The Husky will provide a robust and highly mobile protected support vehicle for operations. The Navistar Defense International MXT-MV is a tactical vehicle family featuring rugged design, light frame rail system and 4x4 performance. These vehicles are designed to transport personnel and cargo safely and securely. The MXT-MV is ideal for border patrols, recon missions and security details. Its strong frame design also provides the ability for it to be up-armored. And even with the extra weight of the armor, the MXT-MV has superior maneuvering, hauling and braking capability. The MXT-MVA is the five-passengers armored cab version of the MXT-MV platform. It is powered by a MaxxForce D engine developing 300-hp of power. The Husky is a customized version of the MXT-MVA selected by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense (MoD) in November 2008. It is intended to carry out the support roles in areas where heavy vehicles, like Mastiff, cannot be used. Husky along with the Coyote and Wolfhound vehicles are the preferred bidders for a £350 million program for around 400 brand new armored support trucks to support military operations in Afghanistan. It will serve as utility, ambulance and command post vehicles. Some vehicles will be fitted out as protected ambulances. The contract also sees British firm Dytecna, who are based in Malvern, carrying out specified vehicle modifications and installation of various electronic and communication systems to ensure that Husky meets the British Army's requirements. Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said: "Getting the right vehicles and equipment to our Armed Forces has always been an absolute priority. I am sure that Navistar will bring energy and commitment into delivering these much needed vehicles to our troops in good time. "I am also pleased that British industry is playing a full part in this exciting project and that a British company, Dytecna, is able to deliver high quality equipment for our Armed Forces." Equipped with a machine gun, the new protected support vehicle is designed to provide commanders with a highly mobile and flexible load-carrying vehicle for the troops on operations. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wills, Tactical Support Vehicle Programme Manager in Defence Equipment and Support's Protected Mobility Team, said: "The Husky vehicle provides a robust and very mobile protected support vehicle for operations. The design has picked up on many of the lessons from current operations. "Throughout the process to date, Navistar Defense and their UK integrator Dytecna Ltd have been extremely proactive. With the first prototype having arrived in the UK already, we look forward to getting to grips with trials and integration work." Husky will join its sister vehicles Wolfhound and Coyote as part of the £350m Tactical Support Vehicle programme announced last year which will buy over 400 new armoured support trucks to accompany our existing patrols carrying the essential supplies such as water and ammunition.