Like the Sherman tank, the Humvee was indelibly associated with half a dozen US military interventions, from the 1989 invasion of Panama to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Known officially as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, it comes in 15 variants that can carry cargo or troops, serve as a weapons carrier or even function as a field ambulance. Click the https://www.streetlegalexports.com/ to learn more.
After a shaky start, the Humvee has conquered foreign battlefields and suburban soccer fields alike. Now it’s at a crossroads. Both the military-grade vehicle and the civilian version it spawned are nearing the end of their shelf lives. The Army has been replacing them with a variety of next-generation models and the company that produces them plans to scale back, sell off or shut down its division entirely.
The story of the Humvee began in the late 1970s, when the Army realized it needed a “jack-of-all-trades” light tactical vehicle to replace aging fleets of jeeps and other trucks. Its popularity soared in 1991 during the Gulf War, which was broadcast nonstop on American television.
But the Humvee began to show its age during the War on Terror, which shifted the military’s operations from remote desert locales to crowded urban areas where small arms fire and roadside improvised explosive devices could turn it into a rolling coffin. The Army tried to counter this threat by adding armor to the vehicles, but the added weight made them sluggish and prone to rollovers. The addition of fortified doors also jammed repeatedly during deadly attacks.
In a few short years, it became clear the Humvee was reaching the end of its useful life. The Army is currently in the process of replacing it with newer, longer-lasting vehicles, including commercial off-the-shelf models procured under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program and designs it has developed itself under its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program. The short term replacement efforts are aimed at modifying existing commercial vehicles, while the long-term effort is focused on designing a vehicle from the ground up.
Design
The Army’s requirements for the new workhorse were clear and specific. The vehicle would need to be able to drive off-road in extreme conditions, carry a massive payload, and provide survivability against indirect ground fire.
The workhorse needed to be a cross between the Jeep and light truck-a true do-anything vehicle. AM General’s design was the winner, and the Humvee (or HMMWV, as it’s called) entered service in 1983.
Although the Humvee has evolved over the years, the basic design remains the same. The vehicle can be configured to serve as a weapons carrier, utility vehicle, or field ambulance. The different versions share many common components, simplifying maintenance. The vehicle can also be disassembled, making it easier to transport via helicopter or cargo planes.
In addition to its impressive off-road abilities, the Humvee is surprisingly reliable. The average Humvee travels 7,051 miles between operational mission failure, or a system malfunction that prevents the vehicle from carrying out its intended role. Up-armored Humvees fare even better, averaging 12,968 miles between failures.
While the Humvee is a rugged and durable vehicle, it has its limitations in front-line battle. The lack of armour and its vulnerability to indirect fire make it a sitting duck for enemy attack. Luckily, the military is working on improvements that will allow the Humvee to keep up with changing threats. These improvements will include upgrades to the engine, transmission, and chassis. These changes will also allow the Humvee to carry more weight, and a larger payload-up to 14,000 pounds-while maintaining its reliability. The workhorse is likely to see service for years to come, but the future of the Humvee may be in the hands of MRAP competitors like the Lockheed Martin JLTV.
Engines
A Humvee is powered by a diesel engine. The engines are usually based on the civilian models, so parts are easy to come by for owners and enthusiasts looking for more performance or a different look. They can be fitted with various power options, including a hybrid system.
Originally, the military used Jeeps as cargo and troop transport vehicles. But as threats changed and became more complex, the Army began to seek out a new type of vehicle. In 1979, it asked AM General and Chrysler Defense to create prototypes of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or Humvee. The Humvee quickly became a favorite of troops and the public alike.
The vehicle has a variety of roles, from troop transport to ambulance to shelter. It can carry more cargo than a jeep and can be equipped with a number of weapons, including the M2HB.50-caliber heavy machine gun, Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher and the BGM-71 TOW antitank missile. It also has armored doors and a roof that can be protected by a turret.
The HMMWV is still in use around the world, though the military has begun the process of replacing it with commercial off-the-shelf vehicles as part of the MRAP program. The newest replacement, called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, is expected to be faster and more maneuverable than a Humvee, and has better armor. The replacement process is expected to continue well into the 2030s.
Modifications
The Humvee is a powerful and versatile vehicle that can be customized to suit any need. There is a wide range of modifications available that can boost performance, make it easier to operate in rugged terrains, and enhance its aesthetics. This comprehensive guide will cover some of the most popular and effective ways to modify a Humvee, from improving its suspension to enhancing its engine performance.
Many HMMWV owners like to customize their vehicles to make them more distinctive and visually appealing. One common modification is to add a lift kit, which raises the body of the vehicle and allows for larger tires. This improves ground clearance and traction, making it easier to navigate tough terrains. The suspension system can also be upgraded with heavy-duty coil springs and shocks, which offer improved performance and endurance.
Another common modification is to install a soundproofing system, which reduces road noise and makes the vehicle more comfortable for long drives. The interior can also be updated with new seats and upholstery made from weather-resistant materials. Finally, a modern infotainment system can be installed to increase connectivity and provide entertainment for passengers.
While the Humvee is being replaced by newer models, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the military still relies on them for many critical missions. As a result, the Army needs to find a balance between prioritizing its newer vehicles and maintaining and enhancing its existing fleet.
One example of this is the work of Sgt. Tracey Sourbeck and Cpl. David Segrest, both of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron in Southwest Asia. The two Army National Guard members developed a safer and more efficient gun mount for the M1116 up-armored Humvee’s turrets. The original manufacturer’s setup only holds one weapon, but Sourbeck and Segrest wanted to give their units the ability to quickly engage enemy vehicles from multiple directions without having to spin the turret around.
Safety
The Humvee is a tough military vehicle designed for battle, but it does not have the safety features that come standard in civilian vehicles. For example, Humvees do not have airbags, and they do not have antilock braking systems. This means that if a civilian wants to modify their Humvee for driving on public roads, they will need to add safety upgrades.
To make the Humvee more safe for civilian use, people may need to add rearview cameras and parking sensors. These help drivers see what is behind them when they are backing up or turning. They can also be useful for off-roading, as they can provide information about the terrain that is ahead of them.
Other safety measures include installing a GPS system to make sure that people are not getting lost. These systems can give a lot of information about an area, including altitude and elevation changes. They can help people explore new areas safely and without worrying about getting lost.
The Army has begun putting a lot of money into making the Humvee safer for soldiers. A lawmaker used his position on the Senate defense spending committee to earmark $180 million in the fiscal 2022 government funding bill for the company that makes the Humvee retrofit kits to install ABS and electronic stability control systems into the vehicle.
These improvements will help protect soldiers from accidents, but they will not prevent all crashes. Soldiers in the highly mobile multipurpose wheeled vehicle, or Humvee, are still more likely to be involved in a crash than any other type of military vehicle, according to research by the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy.