Mack Defense recently commenced production of five Mack Granite-based M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) as part of the production vehicle testing (PVT) phase of its $296 million contract with the US Army for armored and armor-capable HDTs.
Once completed, the trucks are expected to enter 40 weeks of rigorous durability testing at the Army’s Aberdeen test center this summer, Mack said.
“Our production team and suppliers are excited to begin building these next generation HDTs for the US Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We’re confident the M917A3 will provide the Army the legendary durability and toughness Mack customers have come to depend on.”
Seeking the next generation of M917 vehicles to offer increased protection levels, higher payload and improved mobility, the Army solicited bids for new HDTs in June 2017, Mack said. The contract, awarded to Mack Defense in May 2018, allows the company to produce armor-capable or armored HDTs through May 2025.
The trucks are intended to increase operational effectiveness and readiness, and will support mobility, counter-mobility, survivability and sustainment operations for the Joint Forces in areas of the world with austere infrastructures and little or no host nation support.
“We have had regular meetings with our US Army partners in preparation for the PVT phase of the contract, and we look forward to providing a tough, dependable truck that will meet their requirements,” said Jack Terefinko, HDT program manager for Mack Defense.
Based on the civilian Mack Granite model, Mack Defense engineers optimized the M917A3 HDT to meet the current needs of the Army, while allowing for evolving requirements and future growth. With heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive and increased suspension ride height, the M917A3 is capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the US Army HDT program, Mack said.