Navistar Defense recently received a $880 million delivery order to upgrade 2,717 International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The order from the US Marine Corps System Command calls for MaxxPro units to be upgraded with the company’s rolling chassis solution. The award also includes engineering changes, supplies and services.

“As defence budgets are being reduced, it is imperative that we continue to develop economical solutions that repurpose assets while also working to ensure warfighters have access to emerging technologies and capabilities,” said Archie Massicotte, President, Navistar Defense. “Our rolling chassis solution allows us to leverage our unique vehicle design and replace an older chassis with a new, highly mobile independent suspension chassis. During all this we keep the armoured capsule intact while creating commonality through the entire MaxxPro fleet.”

Under the delivery order, MaxxPro vehicles will be retrofitted with new rolling chassis. This enhancement further improves the vehicle’s off-road capability with the addition of the DXM independent suspension, a MaxxForce 9.3 engine, 570 amp alternator and driveline.

Work will begin at the company’s West Point, Mississippi, assembly facility in January 2012 and is scheduled for completion in October 2013.

In addition to rolling chassis, Navistar is also considering new vehicle options. In October, the company unveiled its new International Saratoga light tactical vehicle, which Navistar has been testing for the last year at its own expense.