new trucks for the C.F.

[Wpns 421]

Originally Posted by rob love

One truck the CF has been extremely happy with is the Steyr HLVW 10 ton. I recall seeing the Americans come up here with a 4 wheel version in the 4 or 5 ton class a few years back. Now that would be the right choice; interchangeability of parts, modern technology, and similar equipment used by the US.
I saw a website somewhere where the US military was extending the life of some of it's 5 ton M series trucks by installing the Steyr engines.

The old M35s days have gone by. It was the last truck I was issued as a MRT in the CF, and I put many miles on the old girl. I liked it for the nostalgic purposes; it was like driving an old M37 3/4 ton. But it left a lot to be desired.

Of course my MLVW got bucket seats out of a HLVW, a cab heater out of an Iltis, and a voltage converter in the back so I could watch my VCR while the artillery were doing their thing. Also there were two heaters in the back, and it got cold enough in Shilo that you needed both.

If you really want to get nostalgic about your MRT MLVW Come and see mine. It runs like a charm Gilles

[maple_leaf_eh]

On Startop Road near Cyrville Road in Ottawa there is a truck company yard with at least 3 dozen of the new 2 1/2 tons. I have seen these vehicles on the roads, and never knew where they were over nighting until yesterday.

This time last year I was asked if my unit still wanted some to replace our decrepit MLVWs, of course I said yes. The Sergeant Major and Acting OC agreed. We had a lot of input into the drawings for the extendible side office boxes on the back end. Imagine a drop pallet box with its own little on board gennie, AC and dehumidifier. The problem we ran into was how to store dense, heavy paper maps in steel cabinets without putting the CG too high. We wanted the drop side version the tire shop used, but we were too late to get the project realigned. Never quite figured that one out.

[jim fraser (RIP)]

hi.we purchased 1300 milcots,mil commercial off the shelf.275 million dollars in jan.i think it is 600 delivered in 09 and the rest in 2010.built by navistar defense.which is international.great looking trucks.regards jim.

[rob love]

I see lots of th IHC trucks in use by the American's here in KAF. The trucks are built in the US, so hopefully we have commonality with our American counterparts. I doubt any of these new trucks will make it here. Currently any MLVWs we have left are relegated to minor camp duties.

Here is the full press release from Navistar defense:

Navistar Defense Adds New Foreign Business With First Canadian Military Contract

Award is Part of Canada's MSVS Project to Strengthen Domestic Operations

Warrenville, IL (January 12, 2009)

Navistar Defense, LLC received its first Canadian military contract to date to provide the Canadian Department of National Defence with Military Commercial off the Shelf (MILCOTS) vehicles. The vehicles are the first element of Canada's Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) project, which will invest in medium sized logistics trucks to support domestic operations and sustain deployed forces. The C$275 million (~US$231 million) award will provide up to 1,300 vehicles and utilize the Canadian organization and dealer network of Navistar Canada, Inc for training, delivery, parts and maintenance support.

This award positions the company well for future opportunities under MSVS such as the replacement of Standard Military Pattern (SMP) medium lift trucks and trailers. As part of the MSVS project, SMP replacement is estimated to be more than 1,500 units.

"MILCOTS vehicles provide a strong area of growth for Navistar," said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. "While our militarized commercial off the shelf trucks are built to help effectively perform various missions, our existing Canadian dealer network will provide quick parts and maintenance support for domestic missions."

The MILCOTS order will allow the Canadian military to customize vehicle variants based off the International® WorkStar® platform. Optional upgrades and additional military components will let Canada further tailor its vehicles for domestic mission use. Under the multi-year contract, six vehicle variants will be provided including General Troop Transporters, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) container transporters, as well as additional equipment such as augers and cranes.

Navistar's extensive Canadian dealer network includes 93 dealerships. Approximately 600 units of the MILCOTS order will be delivered during fiscal year 2009 with the remaining units to be delivered in fiscal year 2010.

Navistar will continue to pursue new foreign military sales as part of its growth strategy. Since 2004, the company has won contracts to provide more than 7,000 units to U.S. allies such as Israel, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. In late 2008, the U.K. selected Navistar to compete in the next phase of its Operational Utility Vehicle Systems (OUVS) program. Navistar is also in negotiations with the U.K. to provide a portion of the needed Tactical Support Vehicles (TSV) for the Husky division. The U.K. Ministry of Defence announced in late October that it had earmarked £350 million (~US$530 million) for 400 TSV units.

Navistar Defense is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.

[Ed Storey]

Here is an image of an Intertnational Workstar 7400 8 tonne MSVS on Star Top Road in Ottawa.