The highly mobile and survivable RG33 incorporates a monocoque V-shaped hull design, along with Spartan's specialty chassis system and compound armor to protect against improvised explosive devices. This allows the vehicle to be driven away after being subject to threats that would completely destroy normal vehicles.

The U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Program Office gave recognition to Spartan Chassis for its critical role in the rapid production and deployment of MRAP vehicles used by the U.S. military in fighting the Global War on Terror.

Moving from concept to production in less than six months, Spartan Chassis, in partnership with suppliers such as Parker Hannifin, developed a specialty chassis system to meet the military's urgent demand for MRAP vehicles. MRAPs are heavily armored vehicles designed with V-shaped hulls and other innovations that deliver better protection from improvised explosive device (IED) attacks than Humvees.

In addition to its heavy-duty chassis expertise and fast cycle time, Spartan was also recognized for their ensured critical content control of the chassis assemblies and field repair kits. To that end, Spartan partnered with Parker Hannifin's Fluid Connectors Group for the design, development and application of the MRAP vehicle's fluid power systems.

Supported by a full-service Parker Supply Center on the Spartan campus, Parker's Hose, Brass, Tube Fittings, Parflex, Quick Couplings, and Industrial Hose Products divisions provided everything from standard and non-standard parts to on-site engineering, testing and troubleshooting of the chassis. 

The partnership with Parker enabled Spartan to meet challenging MRAP vehicle requirements, such as a 30-minute complete engine change out. Utilizing Parker's quick couplings in the engine design keeps valves closed and fluid retained while the engine is switched out, significantly reducing the time otherwise required to drain fluid lines, remove the engine, reconnect and tighten the lines, refill the fluids and burp the lines.

According to MRAP, Parker products enhanced with armor plating, increased operating functions and other upgrades further contributed to the chassis' improved safety, performance and reliability when operating in extreme desert climates and warfare conditions. 

Force Protection's V-shaped hull and other blast-protection innovations, along with Spartan's specialty chassis system, help the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle provide maximum protection for soldiers from IEDs, land mines, roadside bombs and hostile fire.

"The fluid connectors and components are the lifeline of the MRAP vehicle's' critical systems. They must be able to perform flawlessly with little to no maintenance," said Sharon Wittkopp, senior account manager for Parker's Mobile Systems. "Having a hose failure or losing hydraulic fluid can create a life-threatening situation in the desert. We only get one chance to do it right, and we're doing everything possible to protect our troops by helping to build vehicles that can withstand new types of warfare and emerging threats."