After the Army ran its fleet of jeeps ragged in Vietnam, it realized an upgrade was needed. It drafted specifications that included diesel power and an automatic transmission. It also wanted a new, jack-of-all-trades light tactical vehicle that could serve as a weapons carrier, utility vehicle and field ambulance.

Enter the Humvee—or HMMWV, as the Army calls it. It’s hard to pronounce, but it does the job. Click the https://www.streetlegalexports.com/ to learn more.

The Humvee, also known as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), is a military truck that serves in numerous roles for various branches of the United States armed forces. It is a light utility vehicle that performs many of the tasks previously done by older vehicles like the original jeep and the M151 “Gama Goat” trucks. These duties include cargo transport, troop transport, air defense, command/control, NBC warfare/protection, patrols and medical evacuation.

The military has been using the Humvee since it entered service in 1983. It is used in many environments from deserts to forests to urban areas.

HMMWVs are often outfitted with weapons systems to make them more lethal in combat situations and a variety of other features for logistical purposes. The vehicle is also used for communications, surveillance and other non-combat duties. The military uses a variety of other vehicles for combat, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JLTV is better than the Humvee in some ways, but it is not perfect and will not replace it completely.

While the Humvee is an impressive vehicle for traversing extreme terrain, its biggest challenge was paved city streets. The massive weight of the armor and bulletproof windows made the vehicles clumsy and prone to rollovers. They also put a lot of strain on the engine, transmission and drivetrain, which caused a rash of mechanical failures. Bolting on steel plates didn’t solve these issues, and a replacement was needed.

The Army and Marine Corps began replacing the Humvee with the JLTV in 2018, but it will take some time to phase out the current fleet of vehicles. The JLTV is lighter than the Humvee, has a mine-resistant chassis and can travel over rough terrain at faster speeds. It also has a higher level of protection than the Humvee, with 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection and under-vehicle blast threats protection.

The Humvee is still produced by AM General for the military and is available to civilians through a number of military surplus auction companies like GovPlanet. The company can help you determine if the Humvee you want to purchase meets your state’s vehicle inspection requirements and is road ready before it’s delivered.

Specifications

Originally developed in the 1970s to replace the aging M151 jeep, it was designed to carry more equipment and have better protection. Its dimensions were expanded and it was made more rugged with portal axles, all-wheel drive and 16in of ground clearance for mighty off-road ability. The powertrain was raised above the cabin area to protect it from explosions and direct attack. It also had a suspension system with a variable-rate torsion bar that allowed for a soft ride under light loads and a stiffer one with heavy ones. The HMMWV’s body is made from riveted and bonded aluminum that’s lightweight, flexible and highly resistant to corrosion.

A key part of the design was to meet Army requirements for reliability, maintainability and survivability. The HMMWV did just that with an excellent track record in test drives and high marks on durability tests. The welded aluminum frame and chassis are stronger than the steel used in classic jeeps and the HMMWV’s wheels, axles, engine and transmission have 44 interchangeable parts that can be fitted in different positions for easier maintenance and repair.

The armored HMMWV can withstand a range of threats, from small arms fire to air-burst artillery. Its protection systems include thick steel armour, energy-absorbing coatings and mounting and reinforced glass. However, all this armor adds weight that reduces mobility and causes problems with the traction control and rollover stability. It also puts a lot of strain on the engine, drivetrain and chassis which can cause accelerated wear and failures.

In 2006, HMMWVs got a group of upgrades that included a new cool pack and shroud, a re-engineered geared fan drive, and improved parking brakes. It also got a redesigned rear air conditioning system, improved fuel tank and reprogrammed CAN bus controls.

HMMWVs can be built in more than 15 configurations that include cargo/troop carriers, armament carriers, ambulances and shelter carriers. They can seat 1+1 or 2+2 depending on the configuration. Various options include armored turrets; 360 kinetic energy threat protection and under-vehicle blast threat protection; floating and transparent armor; and blow seats that can absorb kinetic energy and detonate explosives. The newest model, called SABER, has enhanced levels of protection in a lighter and more agile light tactical vehicle.

Variants

When it comes to the military Humvee, there are many variants available. The vehicle can be equipped with different armor configurations, weapons systems, and accessories depending on the mission at hand. For example, there are varying types of doors that range from steel and aluminum to cloth. These can drastically change the weight and overall feel of the vehicle. Some of these doors are even made to be completely removable. This can be useful for missions that require the vehicle to move around quickly, while still being able to transport troops and equipment.

The Humvee has a number of other features that make it unique and useful to the military. Some of these include 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection, blast seats, floating and transparent armor and an incredibly agile chassis. These factors make the Humvee a vital component of the Army’s light tactical wheeled fleet, which also includes the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and Infantry Squad Vehicles.

While the Humvee is often compared to the Jeep, it is actually a much more versatile vehicle. The Jeep can only be used in a limited number of roles, while the Humvee can be configured for nearly any task.

Since the 1980s, the Humvee has been used extensively in a variety of challenging environments around the world. The vehicle has largely replaced the traditional jeep and other military vehicles for many of these missions. It is capable of traveling over extremely rough terrain and easily navigating the most treacherous of battles.

While the vehicle is mainly used by the United States, it has also been purchased by many other countries and organizations. There are even civilian adaptations of the Humvee, and some people are buying these vehicles to use as home defense and off-road vehicles.

The Humvee is also a popular choice for commercial applications, such as utility trucks and ambulances. It is a safe and reliable vehicle that can be equipped with a number of modifications to meet specific needs.

In addition to these commercial uses, the Humvee is also commonly seen in movies and television shows. This has helped to raise the profile of the vehicle, making it a very well-known and sought after vehicle. As a result, the market for military Humvees has been growing over the years.

History

The military version of the Humvee is also a popular civilian vehicle. Modified civilian Humvees, known as hummers, are sought after by off-road enthusiasts and emergency services. Celebrities, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, have also been seen driving hummers. The Humvee’s military heritage and iconic design have given it a unique reputation in the world of American vehicles.

The origins of the Humvee go back to the 1970s, when the U.S. Army was looking for a “jack of all trades” light tactical vehicle that could replace its current fleet of M151 Jeeps and M561 Gama Goats. The military wanted a vehicle that would have the versatility of several existing light vehicles, but with better off-road performance and the ability to carry heavier loads.

After extensive testing, the Army decided on a model built by AM General, which would be based on a modified GMC Sierra 2500HD chassis. The new light tactical vehicle became known as the Humvee, and its name has stayed with it ever since.

During the Gulf War in 1991, Humvees proved to be a vital military asset. Their extreme off-road abilities helped them navigate the challenging desert terrain. It was this usage that led to the Humvee becoming a symbol of American military power. Since then, the Humvee has been used in countless missions around the globe.

In 2005, the unarmored Humvee was found to be particularly vulnerable to improvised explosive devices in Iraq. In order to make the vehicle more protected, the military hastily up-armored select models and replaced frontline Humvees with the MRAP. In 2018, the military began replacing Humvees with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

The JLTV is lighter, faster and more durable than its predecessor. It also has a larger crew cabin, better suspension travel, more off-road capability, and an engine that leaves the best Humvee motors in the dust. The JLTV is expected to replace the Humvee in frontline military service, although there are efforts to keep some Humvees in the mix for logistical and training roles. With many military Humvees still in use and several programs advancing unmanned ground vehicles, the Humvee may experience a 21st century rebirth as a low-cost autonomous platform.