Mack Defense to develop MTT Medium Tactical Truck for US Marine Corps.

The United States Marine Corps has granted Mack Defense a contract for a duration of 12 months for the preliminary phase of development for a novel Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) fleet. This new lineage of vehicles is set to supersede the existing fleet of the Marine Corps' Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), which encompasses an array of vehicle types such as cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor, and re-supply trucks, all of which play crucial roles in supporting missions that involve air-ground task force combat support.
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The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Mack Defense a 12-month contract for the initial development of a new Medium Tactical Trucks (MTT) fleet (Picture source: Mack Defense)

In the early stages of developing the MTT fleet, the Marine Corps has laid out specifications focusing on the creation of three cargo variants. These variants are distinguished by their cargo bed sizes, which measure 10, 15, and 20 feet respectively, and will incorporate hybrid-electric technology to achieve objectives such as diminishing fuel usage, amplifying range, and reducing noise levels to enhance silent watch operations. The design of these vehicles is aimed to support a mission profile that involves 70% off-road and 30% on-road activity, facilitated by a 60-inch fording capacity that allows them to navigate through water depths of up to five feet. Additionally, the vehicles are designed to be equipped with a 10-kilowatt onboard power generator and possess the ability to supply up to 30 kilowatts of power externally. Noteworthy attributes of these vehicles include advanced safety measures for drivers and systems designed for force protection.

David Hartzell, the president of Mack Defense, expressed confidence in the company's proficiency to fulfill the Marine Corps' stipulated requirements. He acknowledged that being selected for the program's initial development stage serves as recognition from the U.S. Marine Corps of Mack Defense's established track record in crafting tactical vehicle platforms that integrate contemporary systems, designs, and technologies, aligning with the stringent criteria specified for the MTT.

During this initial phase of development, Mack Defense is tasked with submitting a comprehensive engineering technical data package for the three specified MTT cargo variants. The company plans to employ an open systems architecture to facilitate the U.S. Marine Corps in incorporating forthcoming technological advancements into this next-generation medium tactical vehicle ensemble.

Brent Cring, the engineering director at Mack Defense, highlighted the company's strategic position in designing the MTT variants, emphasizing the incorporation of cutting-edge hybrid propulsion technologies aimed at significantly reducing fuel consumption. He also mentioned the inclusion of advanced driver safety systems, which are intended to deliver military-grade mobility while ensuring the safety of Marines deployed across the globe.

Mack Defense is concurrently engaged in the testing phase of another critical defense project. Recently, the company delivered three prototype vehicles for the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program to the U.S. Army for testing and evaluation by soldiers. These prototype vehicles, which are based on the commercially accessible Mack Granite model, are under assessment to finalize the requirements necessary for the modernization and replacement of the Army’s existing fleet of 35,000 heavy tactical trucks. The MTT program benefits from technological innovations derived from the CTT program, including hybrid technology, active safety features, open-systems architecture, and enhanced military-grade mobility.

Defense News March 2024