The HMMWV, or Humvee, was first introduced in 1984. It was the Army’s replacement for jeeps and saw action in the Gulf War and Operation Just Cause in Panama.
The newest version of the HMMWV is built to withstand small arms fire and roadside bombs. But it is not a like-for-like replacement. Contact Street Legal Exports now!
The Humvee is a light military truck that carries people and supplies from point A to point B. It can be slung by helicopter, dropped by Low Altitude Parachute Extraction systems, or packed into a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Its 44 interchangeable parts make it easy for mechanics to fix problems on the go. It can also evade detection and travel long distances on highways and in the desert.
The Army began searching for a better vehicle to carry infantry and cargo after the 1970s when it realized that its M151 Jeeps and M561 Gama Goats fleet was out of step with evolving weapons and tactics. They wanted a jack-of-all-trades that could perform the roles of several existing vehicles on a single chassis.
AM General was commissioned to develop prototypes of a new, high-mobility wheeled vehicle that would eventually become known as the Humvee, or HMMWV. The military version was designed to replace the aging Jeep, and it became a fixture of half a dozen US interventions, from Operation Just Cause in Panama to the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Its drawbacks, however, were exposed in Iraq and Afghanistan, where roadside bombs destroyed the minimally armored models.
Design
The HMMWV, commonly known as the Humvee, is one of the world’s most versatile light military vehicles. It can be configured with a variety of weapons systems and can withstand extreme conditions, including rocky hills, deep sand, and desert heat. It can also be slung from helicopters and carried in C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
The original HMMWV was designed as a replacement for Jeeps and light trucks, and in that role it performed very well. The design features a low profile and wide stance, which make it very stable on treacherous terrain. The vehicle can also travel over 60 inches of water and has a maximum speed of 70 mph.
The HMMWV has also been adapted for a number of special missions, including search and rescue and medical evacuation. It can also be modified to carry a number of different weapon systems, including the Boomerang anti-sniper system. Currently, the military is preparing to replace the Humvee with a new vehicle called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JLTV will be more effective than the current Humvee, but it’s not perfect.
Performance
The Humvee is designed to perform in a variety of terrain conditions. It is capable of fording 2.5 feet of water and climbing a 60 percent slope. Its traction control system ensures that the vehicle remains upright and does not roll over during these difficult maneuvers. The vehicle also features a full-time four-wheel drive system, locking differentials and a central tire inflation system.
Military Humvees are designed for serious power, but they do not come with the luxury and comfort that you might expect from a civilian vehicle. They lack air conditioning and a stereo, and the seats are minimal in size. However, they are incredibly durable and can tackle nearly any off-road obstacle.
One company, Banks Power of Azusa, California, took a military HUMVEE and applied their engineering expertise to it. The result is a Humvee that has increased horsepower from 190 to 245 and torque from 365 to 465 lb-ft. This increased performance allows the vehicle to go from 0-60 in 21 seconds, significantly improving its performance over the stock Humvee. Its new brakes cut the braking distance from 307 to 247 feet, making it much safer on hills.
Reliability
While the military Humvee is a reliable vehicle, it must undergo regular maintenance to stay road-worthy. This includes everything from checking the tires and fuel system to inspecting the brakes and exhaust. You will also need to meet your state’s requirements for on-road driving and off-roading. You will need to add features that make the vehicle street legal, including high and low beam headlights, red tail lights with brake lights, mirrors, seat belts and more.
Although the original unarmored version of the Humvee was a success, the Army is replacing it with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) due to its increased vulnerability to improvised explosive devices. The JLTV is a lighter truck that is still rugged and capable of traversing challenging terrain.
HMMWVs have a high reliability rating, and the military has used them in numerous missions, including Operation Just Cause in Panama and the Gulf War. They are lightweight, durable and can carry a significant payload. They are also easy to maintain and repair, and they can be used in various weather conditions.
Cost
The Defense Logistics Agency, which manages the military’s surplus equipment, started selling Humvees to civilians in 2014. Those that aren’t snatched up by fire and police departments will end up on the auction block. Before the vehicles can be sold, they must undergo demilitarization. This process strips the Humvees of their armor and weapons. The Pentagon likely owns over 100,000 Humvees. Selling or donating them instead of scrapping them would save taxpayers a significant amount of money.
Originally, the Army used Humvees to transport cargo and personnel. But insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan developed tactics that relied heavily on hidden roadside bombs, known as IEDs. IEDs could penetrate the Humvee’s body armor and detonate inside the vehicle, killing its occupants. The Army responded by adding bolt-on armor to the Humvees. But the added steel weighed hundreds of pounds, and caused the chassis to strain under the weight.
Since the introduction of IEDs, the Army has begun replacing its Humvees with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). JLTVs are lighter and more maneuverable than the HMMWVs. They are also able to carry more troops and cargo.
PROTECTION
Since its inception, the Humvee has received mixed reviews. Though it was a workhorse in the early days of the Iraq war, the vehicle was not designed as a combat vehicle and lacks significant armour. This leaves the soldier manning the exposed crew-served weapon on top of the vehicle vulnerable. Many HMMWVs have been fitted with basic gun shields and turrets to keep soldiers safer.
However, the added protection of these systems can also weigh vehicles down, making them less manoeuvrable and reducing their agility. In a high-tech conflict, that could be a dangerous combination.
NPR’s Martin Kaste reports that some commanders are rethinking the Humvee, and even the 25-ton Strykers, 40-ton Bradleys and 70-ton M1 Abrams tanks that fill out the U.S. military’s arsenal.
They are looking for more agile and lighter vehicles that provide the same level of protection as these heavier vehicles. They want vehicles that are more flexible and can replace multiple types of trucks.
But the Humvee’s manufacturer, AM General, says it may be time to rethink that. Its new JLTV vehicles may not go toe-to-toe with a near-peer adversary, but the company believes it can still fill a role as “a tactical mobility platform.” And unlike the MRAPs, the JLTVs don’t have circuitry that an enemy could hack with malware or fry with directed microwaves.
COMFORT
Unlike dolled up Chevy Tahoes and Trailblazers, the military humvee has no air conditioning and limited back support. However, these are just a few of the ways in which this vehicle is designed to be as functional as possible, without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
The Military Humvee is equipped with a variety of external threat detection systems to protect its occupants in diverse operational environments. These safety measures work seamlessly with other vehicle security mechanisms to provide a holistic approach to security.
For example, Emergency Brake Assist detects abrupt brake usage and triggers additional braking force to shorten stopping distances and reduce the risk of collisions in critical situations. Additionally, Engine Compartment Fire Protection helps to minimize the risk of catastrophic damage by isolating and controlling engine-related incidents.
Redundant systems for reliability ensure that the Humvee can perform at its best in various conditions. For instance, Backup Power Supply kicks in seamlessly during power failures to prevent the loss of key vehicle functions. Meanwhile, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems continuously monitor tire conditions to prevent blowouts and keep vehicles operational.