While the military’s search for a new jeep – the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle – has begun, they will no doubt keep a fleet of Humvees on hand. They’re well suited for desert combat, designed to move infantry and cargo reliably over long distances.

However, the kind of unconventional warfare that has characterized the last seven years requires a more heavily armored vehicle. That’s the job for a new type of Humvee. Click the Humvee For Sale to learn more.

The Humvee, or HMMWV, as it is known within military circles, has been around for decades. The military truck first burst onto the scene in 1989 during the invasion of Panama and took a bigger role during the Gulf War of the 1990s. Throughout its military career, the funny-looking 4×4 has conquered mud, sand and rocks, evaded detection in the desert, pulled trailers down highways, ridden inside the belly of CH-53 helicopters and jumped continents in transport aircraft.

During the War on Terror, the Humvee continued to be used as the face of Army and Marine Corps power projection, but it soon became apparent that this workhorse was starting to show its age in front-line combat situations. Its vulnerability to small arms fire and improvised explosive devices made it a sitting duck for insurgents. Attempts to keep soldiers safe included adding fortified doors and windows, but these added weight to the vehicles, making them slower and less maneuverable.

While the Humvee may have passed its prime, there is no doubt that it has become one of America’s most iconic military vehicles. With several programmes advancing unmanned ground vehicle technology, the Humvee could even experience a 21st century re-birth as a fleet of autonomous vehicles to carry scouts at the front line. But for now, the Humvee continues to be a reliable tool for the Army and Marine Corps as they continue their mission to protect their men and women and take on threats across a variety of battlefields.

History

The Humvee has long been a mainstay of the U.S. military, replacing a variety of smaller vehicles like the quarter-ton M151 Jeep and other light military trucks. These all-terrain trucks are used in numerous roles, from troop transport to command centers and ambulances. They are rugged, versatile and often heavily modified to fit a wide range of weapons systems.

The HMMWV, which is pronounced “hum-vee,” came into play in the 1970s as the Army sought a replacement for a variety of small vehicles. It was designed to be as squat as possible for maximum maneuverability, and AM General engineers incorporated portal axles and a high ground clearance. In the end, the Humvee ended up being bigger and heavier than a Jeep, but it was more agile and capable of carrying large loads.

It proved a workhorse in the Gulf War and fought alongside the U.S. Marines in the Iraq War of the 2000s, but the new millennium brought renewed concerns about the Humvee’s vulnerability to mines and improvised explosive devices. Soldiers responded by making their Humvees lighter, removing doors and other unnecessary armor for more maneuverability and visibility.

While the military continues to use Humvees, it has largely replaced them with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). The JLTVs are much larger than the Humvee and are able to carry more soldiers. The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team has already begun receiving JLTVs, which will eventually replace all of the Humvees in its ranks.

Design

After the Vietnam War, the Army found its fleet of Jeeps were being worn down. It was clear that a new model needed to be designed, as the demands of advanced weapon systems required a heftier vehicle. In 1979, the Army drafted a request for proposals and awarded contracts to several manufacturers, including AM General, Chrysler Defense and Teledyne Continental. Each company created a prototype and tested it in extreme conditions.

AM General’s submission was soon dubbed the Humvee, which stood for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle—an easy-to-remember name for an impressive off-road machine capable of conquering any terrain. It was quickly adopted by all branches of the military and rolled into action around the world, earning a reputation for its durability, agility, and maneuverability.

It would be another decade before the HMMWV became more widely used by civilians, though. In 1991, AM General began selling a civilian version of its military workhorse, which allowed the public to experience the exceptional off-road performance and problem-solving capabilities that have made it a favorite with soldiers.

The HMMWV remains critical to the military, and while service planners continue to develop plans for the next generation of light tactical vehicles—like the JLTV—the Army is also working to prioritize and enhance the existing fleet through upgrades and maintenance.

Among these updates is the HUMVEE Charge hybrid-electric light tactical vehicle concept, which uses Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components to integrate a conventional internal combustion engine, battery and electric motor. The system captures energy from braking and suspension motion to provide regenerative power, resulting in significant enhancements in acceleration, operational stealth and range. It can also be plugged in and charged up as usual, maintaining full compatibility with mainstream charging interfaces.

Specifications

When the Army set out draft specifications for a new multipurpose vehicle to replace many older jeeps, it wanted something that could carry troops and gear over rugged terrain and perform in tasks beyond the capability of existing vehicles. The military also needed a vehicle that could be easily converted to different configurations to suit various missions. AM General’s HMMWV met these requirements.

Unlike most trucks, the Humvee’s entire drivetrain and brakes are located under the body. This allows the vehicle to ride higher off the ground and climb slopes of 60 percent. The hull is made from riveted and bonded aluminum for premium strength, low weight and superior off-road performance. This unique construction also makes the Humvee rust-resistant and can survive being dropped from planes.

The Humvee’s armor is designed to stop up to 16-grain bullet fragments, which is enough to stop most small arms fire and roadside bombs. In addition, the hull is reinforced with ballistic-resistant fiberglass for even greater protection. The vehicle’s rotatable gun turret can be mounted with a variety of weapons systems, including the venerable M2 Browning machine gun and the more advanced TOW antitank missile.

The HMMWV’s powerful engine and all-terrain tires allow it to drive through rivers, deep mud and snow. It can handle a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour.

Production

The Army began planning the Humvee in 1979, seeking a vehicle to replace its older fleet of jeeps and light trucks. It wanted one jack-of-all-trades light tactical vehicle that could perform the roles of several different vehicles. The Army also wanted a vehicle that would be highly maneuverable and durable in rough terrains.

In 1981, AM General was awarded the contract to produce what would eventually be known as the Humvee. The company beat out development contractors Teledyne Technologies and Chrysler Defense (acquired by General Dynamics during the contract negotiations). The Humvee is used in a variety of military applications, including hauling cargo, protecting troops from roadside bombs and providing medical care.

AM General designed the Humvee to be easily customized for specific missions and needs. Its 15 configurations—cargo/troop carriers, weapons carriers, ambulances and shelter carriers—use a common chassis and engine with 44 interchangeable parts. This simplifies supply, maintenance and logistics. It also reduces life-cycle costs, saving taxpayer dollars.

HMMWVs have excellent off-road mobility, thanks to their double A-arm independent front and rear suspension and portal axles that provide gear reduction. They have a track width of 72 inches and 16-inch ground clearance under load. They can climb a 60 percent incline, traverse a 40 percent slope and ford 2.5 feet of water without a snorkel.

The military is currently upgrading its aging Humvees with new armor and other upgrades. It is also pursuing short-term replacement initiatives with commercial off-the-shelf vehicles and a long-term replacement with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. While the Humvee may eventually be replaced by these vehicles, the military plans to continue using it in a variety of roles. The Humvee’s versatility makes it useful in many environments and its durability provides peace of mind for soldiers who are operating under the threat of mines and roadside bombs.