63% of the killed and 69% of the wounded – that’s the share of American casualties in Iraq in 2003-2007 – were caused by improvised explosive devices. The point is that it is relatively easy and cheap to make an improvised explosive device. And it is not difficult to camouflage such explosives. At the same time, most HMMWVs are not equipped with armor protection. These factors led to significant casualties in Iraq after the coalition forces took control of the country.
To minimize losses among soldiers, in 2006 the Pentagon adopted an urgent program to create an armored vehicle. Orders under this program were received not by one company that won the tender, but by five organizations. This in itself speaks about the urgent need to solve this issue. Navistar company, known to many drivers for International trucks, has also received orders. In total, Navistar trucks accounted for 40% of armored vehicles produced under this program. This vehicle was intended to replace the HMMWV in all forward units.
The first tests of the International MaxxPro were conducted at the Aberdeen Prouing Groung range. After them, the U.S. Marine Corps ordered 1200 of these vehicles by February 2008. This was a contract worth 623 million dollars. A little later Navistar received other contracts. By the end of the first year of production, 4,471 armored vehicles were produced. In total, the company has produced about 9000 such vehicles for the USA. In addition, 30 armored vehicles were received by Polish soldiers, 50 vehicles were sent to Uzbekistan. Some number of International MaxxPro was sent to Ukraine, to fight against Russian forces.
Some modifications of MaxxPro can be used in conditions of radioactive and biological contamination.
Price and sale of International MaxxPro.
It is noteworthy that the cost of delivery of the International MaxxPro armored vehicle to Iraq by air was more than the price of the vehicle itself. So the delivery cost $750,000, and the armored car cost $548,000.
Appearance and photos.
The curb weight of this armored vehicle is 12632kg. Payload depending on the modification varies from 1.5 to 5 tons. With a body length of 7200mm, the height of the armored vehicle International is 3048mm. Even with a huge ground clearance of 355mm, the V – shaped armored capsule is located at a distance of 1.5 meters from the ground. The suspension is quite massive, because it is from the International 7000 truck. The undercarriage is below the armored capsule.
Note the gap between the wheels and the fenders. Such a large distance should help to absorb the blast energy. It is stated that MaxxPro can withstand a 7kg TNT explosion under the underbody without serious consequences for the crew. In the photo I tried to show that in case of serious damage, the body with armored capsule can be removed and then replace the body or chassis.
On the photo I tried to show that the armored hatch here is covered and the gas tank plug. In general, there are quite a lot of boxes on the body, which can be used for stowing necessary things. And all these niches are covered with armored hatches.
Front, windshields consist of two parts, – this makes it easier to replace them in case of damage. Side windows can be covered with special metal louvers. Machine gun turret protection has glazing, which can be useful in combat conditions. Although today a significant part of turrets have remote control. The front doors can be fitted with loopholes. In modifications with rear doors, they open against the course of movement. Thus, when disembarking from the armored capsule, the front and rear doors provide protection from bullets for infantrymen. The ribs of the radiator grille have a fairly steep slope, which also provides protection from bullets and shrapnel. In addition, there is additional protection behind the grille to catch shrapnel. So the MaxxPro radiator is well protected.
The armor elements are bolted together, not welded. This solution is due to the desire to make replacement of damaged plates easier and faster. The suspension arms and steering rods are clearly visible and easily accessible – this also facilitates recovery in the event of a mine explosion.
A winch can be installed in the front bumper. A mine clearance device can also be fitted.
The International MaxxPro was available in three and five-door versions. Most of the vehicles were produced in the first variant.
Interior and equipment.
It may seem strange to some, but the interior (if so we can call the interior of the armored capsule) of this International is designed for only 7 people. Two, including the driver, sit in the front, one takes the place of the gunner on the machine gun, and four more are in the rear, landing capsule. The troop compartment here is connected to the driver’s compartment. The seats in it are attached to the walls rather than to the floor and are not rigidly fixed. This is done to minimize the consequences for the crew in the aftermath of the explosion.
Despite the huge size, there is not much space inside. Even if you stand in full height, only a tall man can reach the roof with his head, but standing with his feet on the floor, he will not be able to reach the machine gun in the turret. A special platform is provided for this purpose. The hatch itself can be closed to prevent foreign objects from entering the armored capsule. There is a fire extinguisher inside. Other things, such as a sledgehammer or an axe are better attached to the outer panels of the body, so that during the explosion they do not come off the place of attachment inside the armored car.
During the battle in the armored car can be very loud, so the car is provided with headphones and means of communication, so that the soldiers were always in touch with each other.
The rear side is hydraulically lowered and serves as a gangway for soldiers to disembark.
Engine and technical characteristics of the International MaxxPro.
The engine of the International MaxxPro is substantially shifted under the armored, saloon compartment. This complicates serious repairs, but there is plenty of room to change spark plugs and engine oil. Of course the engine compartment is armored.
The engine is a diesel inline six with a displacement of 9.3 liters, which develops 330 horsepower at 2,100 rpm. I have not found exact data on torque, but I think such a motor develops about 1800 N.M. Drivers who had to drive this armored vehicle note good acceleration dynamics on any road. The maximum speed of the International MaxxPro is 105 kilometers per hour. The gearbox is automatic, five-speed Allisson 3000. The range is 600 kilometers. The suspension was borrowed from the International 7000 and has air bags front and rear.
The International MaxxPro provides a high degree of protection for the crew. It is important to understand the primary purpose of this vehicle. It is a great vehicle for patrol, or evacuation. It can be used in areas of possible mines or guerrilla groups.
It is important to realize that this vehicle is not suitable for front line offensive in a full-scale war like in Ukraine. Yes, the MaxxPro armor can withstand a direct hit from a large-caliber machine gun, but definitely not from a tank. Although here it is worth adding that Ukrainian soldiers in interviews talked about the hit of a tank shell in the wheel area of MaxxPro, while the shrapnel of the tank shell could not penetrate the armored capsule and the soldiers remained unharmed.
In addition, the silhouette of the body of this armored vehicle is very high and this was done intentionally to better absorb the energy of the explosion under the vehicle. Perhaps this vehicle could be used in offensive actions, but only if it goes behind tanks and armored personnel carriers. It could be used to transport soldiers to battle lines where there is no chance of being hit by direct, tank fire.
It is an easy to drive vehicle. It is equipped with an automatic gearbox, which makes it easy to drive, which is especially important if the driver has been wounded. In terms of protection, the MaxxPro is significantly superior to the legendary HMMWV. Bolt-on armor plates can be replaced right on the base, and a tire inflation system allows you to leave the scene of fire even with punctured tires.
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