Mack Defense is partnering with XPER, Inc. to provide a Spare Tire Carrier (STC) and transparent armor for the Mack Granite-based M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT).

XPER is a worldwide provider of transparent and opaque armor solutions, LED lighting, and vehicle accessories.

“The U.S. Army has demanding specifications, which is why Mack Defense assembled a world-class team of suppliers to develop a best-in-class vehicle in the M917A3 HDT,” said Jack Terefinko, Mack Defense acquisition program manager. “We’re proud to have XPER on that team, along with their years of experience in developing military-spec equipment.”

Since 2000, XPER has produced a variety of products for the U.S. military. Mack Defense partnered with XPER to bring its expertise to the M917A3 HDT program through the engineering design and creation of the STC and transparent armor. Each component was required to meet very specific demands, including the unique location of the STC and the ability to handle the very large and heavy spare tire.

“In nearly 20 years, XPER has designed more than 50 different products in support of the U.S. military, from the development and implementation of vehicle accessories, to situational lighting and a variety of armor solutions,” said Bill Rosemeyer, senior vice president, XPER. “We’re proud of our relationships with both Mack Defense and the U.S. Army in providing the STC and transparent armor solutions for the M917A3 HDT”.

The U.S. Army awarded Mack Defense a firm-fixed-price $296 million contract in May 2018 to produce up to 683 M917A3 HDTs. Based on the commercially available Mack Granite model, the Mack Defense M917A3 HDT has been optimized to meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. Army with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height, and other ruggedized features.