Mack Defense celebrated the official handover of the first five Mack® Granite® model-based M917A3 heavy dump trucks (HDT) to the US Army during a ceremony at the Mack Customer Center.
Leadership from Mack Defense presented the keys to officials with the US Army in front of attendees, including several representatives of local and state-elected officials. Beginning in July, the trucks will enter up to 40 weeks of rigorous durability testing at the US Army’s Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland.
“The Mack Defense M917A3 HDT embodies Mack’s core values of durability, reliability, and application excellence, and we’re confident these vehicles will exceed the US Army’s rigorous testing requirements,” David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense, says. “We are proud of our efforts and collaboration with the US Army to deliver a truck that will serve the men and women of our armed forces for years to come.”
The US Army first solicited bids for the M917 HDT program in 2017, seeking to develop the next generation of HDTs with increased occupant protection levels, higher payload, and improved mobility. Mack Defense was awarded the contract in May 2018 and will produce armor-capable or armored HDTs with deliveries through May 2025.
The Mack Defense M917A3 HDT is based on the civilian Mack Granite model, one of the top-selling construction trucks in North America. To meet the demanding needs of the US Army, Mack Defense engineers added heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, and increased suspension ride height.
The new trucks will help increase the US Army’s operational effectiveness and readiness, while supporting mobility, counter mobility, survivability, and sustainment operations for the Joint Force.
Find out more, visit www.mackdefense.com.
