IC Bus FE Series
| IC Bus FE Series | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | IC Bus (Navistar) |
| Production | 1990–2010 |
| Assembly | United States: |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Type D (transit-style) |
| Body style |
|
| Platform | International 3900FC |
| Chassis | Front-engine, stripped frame |
| Related |
|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Navistar DT 466 210–255 hp (1990–2007) Navistar MaxxForce DT 210–255 hp (2007–2010) |
| Transmission | Allison PTS 2500 5-speed automatic (standard) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 144.0–234.0 in (3,658–5,944 mm) |
| Length | 314.1–476.1 in (7,978–12,093 mm) |
| Width | 93 in (2,362 mm) |
| Curb weight | 29,500–37,000 lb (13,381–16,783 kg) (GVWR) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ward President (c. 1975–1990) |
The IC Bus FE Series (also known as the IC FE) is a model line of buses that was manufactured by IC Bus.[1] Taking its name from its front-engine configuration, the FE was produced primarily for yellow school bus use; some units were manufactured for commercial applications.[2]
The IC FE was introduced in 1990 by Ward Body Works as the Ward Senator; several ownership changes during the 1990s led to the vehicle becoming the IC FE for 2003 production. The bus body was fitted to the International 3900FC chassis.
From 1990 to 2010, the model line was manufactured in the Ward Body Works facility in Conway, Arkansas. In April 2010, along with IC Bus dealers announcing discontinuation of the model line, the IC FE product literature was withdrawn from the IC Bus website.[citation needed]
Design history
[edit]Ward Senator/AmTran Genesis
[edit].jpg)
For 1990 production, AmTran modernized its transit-style school bus line, replacing the Ward President with the all-new Ward Senator. Developed in response to the Blue Bird TC/2000 and Wayne Lifestar, the Senator replaced the GMC S7 chassis (discontinued for 1990) with an International-sourced chassis. Along with making a diesel engine standard, the 3900FC utilized inline-6 engines (the DT408 and DT466 I6 turbodiesels[3]), improving both passenger and driver compartment access over a V8 engine.
Following the partial acquisition of AmTran by Navistar at the end of 1990, the company began to phase out the Ward brand name, with the Senator adopting the AmTran Genesis name during 1992 production.[4] Along from minor revisions (and the introduction of a redesigned instrument cluster), the Genesis differed little from the Senator. In 1995, the Genesis was slightly revised, adopting the AmTran roof emblem; some body revisions moved the entry door forward.
AmTran FE/IC FE Series
[edit].jpg)
In 1999, the model line underwent a major update, with AmTran renaming the Genesis as the AmTran FE. Along with standardizing the DT466E engine, the entry door was widened further. Along with adopting a visual resemblance to the RE (with the exception of its grille and air intakes), the FE began to adopt a further degree of commonality, with both model lines receiving a redesigned driver's compartment. To improve serviceability, the front of the vehicle was fitted with additional access panels for mechanical, electrical, and electronic components.[5]
Following the introduction of the IC conventional during 2000[6], the AmTran FE began to use the "International" branding. In the spring of 2002, AmTran (American Transportation Corporation) ceased to exist, with parent company Navistar reorganizing it as IC Corporation; the AmTran FE was renamed the IC FE.[7] The roof emblem was redesigned, adopting the yellow IC shield emblem.
In 2005, the FE underwent several changes, following the introduction of the CE Series. Distinguished by the redesign of the warning light clusters, the windshield was slightly enlarged as the FE standardized the high-roof body configuration. The model line was renamed the FE300 (reflecting its standard inline-6 engine - the DT466); unlike the CE and RE (which were sold with V8 diesels as standard equipment), the FE was sold only with inline-6 engines.
For 2008, the entry door was raised in height (to match the window line); to improve cooling, the grille was widened (to nearly the entire width of the front bodywork). The DT466 was redesigned, becoming the MaxxForceDT.
During 2010, IC Bus ended sale of the FE Series, with International also retiring the 3900FC chassis after two decades of production.
References
[edit]- ↑ "2003 IC FE brochure" (PDF). IC Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 12, 2005. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "2003 IC FE specifications" (PDF). IC Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 12, 2005. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "1993 AMTRAN Genesis and Volunteer Bus Spec Sheets | AutoPaper". www.autopaper.com. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Ward Body Works, Ward School Bus Mfg., IC Bus, Ward School Bus history, David H. Ward, Dave Ward, AmTran, Navistar, IC Corp., Conway, Arkansas - CoachBuilt.com". Coachbuilt.com. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "New AmTran School Bus Delivers On The Details". International Truck and Engine. April 19, 1999. Archived from the original on March 6, 2001. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "International Moves School Bus Customers Ahead with the New Integrated Conventional". International Truck and Engine. March 10, 2000. Archived from the original on December 9, 2001. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "IC Tip Sheet - 2002 2Q" (PDF). International Truck and Engine. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 25, 2004. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
External links
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