The U.S. Army took delivery of the first five Mack Granite model-based M917A3 heavy-dump trucks (HDT) from Mack Defense.

Leadership from Mack Defense presented the keys to officials with the U.S. Army during a ceremony that included several representatives of local and state elected officials. Beginning in July, the trucks will enter up to 40 weeks of durability testing at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland.

The Army first solicited bids for the M917 HDT program in 2017, seeking to develop the next generation of HDTs with increased occupant protection levels, higher payload, and improved mobility. Mack Defense was awarded the contract in May 2018 and will produce armor-capable or armored HDTs with deliveries through May 2025.

The Mack Defense M917A3 HDT is based on the civilian Mack Granite model, one of the top-selling construction trucks in North America, according to Mack. To meet the Army's needs, Mack Defense engineers added heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, and increased suspension ride height.