The Humvee became the symbol of half a dozen US military interventions – instantly recognizable worldwide. Although the Army is now moving away from it to the new JLTV, the Humvee’s critical mission roles will keep it around for decades.
Its ability to rumble over rough terrain and carry modern warfighting equipment made it ideal for front-line service. AM General engineers have added and removed features since the government’s 1983 acceptance of the prototype HMMWV. Click Military Humvee For Sale to learn more.
In the early days of the Iraq War, the iconic Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) was praised for its ability to whisk soldiers and equipment across wide expanses of desert. But by the end of the war, the vehicles were increasingly used as taxis in urban neighborhoods, where they became easy prey to roadside improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. And their ungainly appearance and doors that were difficult for soldiers to open only compounded the problem.
The Army began looking for a replacement in 1979, and eventually awarded contracts to AM General, Chrysler Defense, and Teledyne Continental to design prototypes. The resulting vehicles went through extensive testing, driving through rocky hills, deep sand, 60in-deep water, desert heat, and arctic snow over 965,606km. The Humvee’s basic body offered little protection, and losses in urban combat were high.
But even as the military looked for a new vehicle to replace its fleet, it continued to refine and improve the Humvee’s performance and reliability. For example, the HMMWV now uses brakes that are built into the axel directly, instead of on the wheels, to extend their lifespan. These are more durable than conventional brake pads, and they also apply less force when the vehicle decelerates, which helps the tires last longer.
The newest version of the Humvee, called the JLTV, is designed to boost protection and provide improved maneuverability, transportability, maintainability, and connectivity with 21st-century battlefield networks. The Army has already tested the vehicle in the desert, and senior leaders have test-driven it. They report that the JLTV rides much smoother than the Humvee, and is easier to handle in a wide range of conditions.
Construction
The M998 Humvee, or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, first saw service with the US military in 1984 and became one of the most ubiquitous trucks on the planet. It has carried a generation of soldiers on tactical missions around the world. And now, the company that originated this go-anywhere military vehicle is selling a kit to build your own.
The HMMWV is designed for the battlefield, where it can traverse all types of terrain, from rocks and debris to sand and mud. The vehicle is also equipped with a system that lets it ride up on ramps to bypass obstacles, and the axles are mounted at the top rather than at the center, which reduces tire wear. It also has four-wheel independent suspension and geared hubs to allow it to navigate boulders, ruts, and other difficult terrain.
Aside from the rugged construction, the HMMWV is extremely simple to maintain and repair. It can carry up to 2 tons of cargo and can tow up to 10,000 pounds. And it has 44 interchangeable parts that can be used in 15 configurations. This simplifies supply, maintenance and logistics, saving the military money. It also meets new Army requirements for a combat vehicle.
The HMMWV has become synonymous with macho excess, but its origins were purely practical. It was conceived by the Army as a versatile modernisation of Jeep vehicles and proved its worth in the Gulf War. The military has since replaced the Humvee with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, but the model is still in widespread use.
Performance
The Humvee is the most versatile light military vehicle in the world. It has conquered mud, sand, rocks, snow, and desert. It has hauled trailers down highways, ridden inside the belly of CH-53 helicopters and jumped entire continents in transport aircraft. It has been a hot-rodded Jeep when the military needed an off-roader and an armored outpost when service members need shelter.
The HMMWV is also a workhorse, with 15 configurations that can be equipped for different missions. Its low profile and wide stance make it difficult to roll over, and its long chassis provides excellent stability. Its engine and transmission can handle the rigors of war, and its 44 interchangeable parts simplify maintenance and supply.
In the early 1980s, the US Army had a problem: its equipment was getting too old. Its soldiers were armed with 1911 pistols and Willys jeeps that weren’t much more advanced than the ones first used in World War II. The Army needed a new, rugged vehicle that could rumble over rough terrain and carry the latest in weapons and gear.
AM General’s answer was the Humvee, which became a symbol of half a dozen military interventions around the globe. The vehicle was an instant success, and even a ragtag group of terrorists couldn’t stop it.
The military’s next-generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is better at everything the Humvee does, but it may not be as good at the last thing the military needs it for. It is expensive and logistically impractical to mount the entire Army in 70-ton vehicles. So, it’s likely that the Humvee will remain a key part of the US military’s toolkit for years to come.
Reliability
The military Humvee is a symbol of American power and has captured the imagination of many people. Its rugged design, exceptional off-road capabilities, and unparalleled durability make it a dream vehicle for adventurous individuals. In fact, it is so durable that it is even able to drive underwater! This unique feature is achieved through the use of brake pads built into the axel. The brakes are also designed to apply pressure and friction in the most optimal way for each situation.
Originally conceived as an unarmored rear-echelon support vehicle, the Humvee quickly became a cultural icon. Its boxy shape maximized interior space and offered ballistic protection, making it a popular choice for countless military and civilian adaptations. In addition to its off-road capabilities, the Humvee was also equipped with a highly efficient gas engine and an aluminum body, which saved on weight and corrosion. Its durability and reliability also made it the perfect vehicle for transporting supplies in a harsh environment.
However, the Humvee’s limitations in front-line combat grew increasingly apparent as US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan intensified. Although armored versions were introduced, they were still easy prey for improvised explosive devices and roadside bombs. Additionally, they were slow and clumsy to maneuver in urban environments and their armored doors were often hard to open during attacks.
Eventually, the Humvee was replaced by a new light tactical truck called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JLTV is more fuel-efficient and has better armor than the original Humvee. In addition, the JLTV has a mine-resistant hull and locking differentials, which are designed to prevent damage from roadside bombs. The Pentagon has plans to replace the Humvee with the new truck by 2021.
Cost
If you’re thinking of buying a military Humvee, be prepared to spend more than you might expect. These vehicles are not cheap and they will require extensive repairs if they get damaged. Besides, you will need to rent storage for the vehicle, which can be expensive depending on how long you keep it. It’s best to consult a professional before buying one of these unique vehicles.
The military Humvee (also known as the HMMWV) is a light armored car manufactured by AM General for the US military since 1983. It is often used in war zones and international conflicts, including the Somalian Civil War and Mexican drug war. The Humvee’s nickname stems from its high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle designation. Its unique design features axles that connect to the top of the tire rather than in the center, allowing it to ride higher off the ground than other trucks.
In 1992, the military Humvee was rebranded as the civilian Hummer, and quickly became a favourite of “macho” men. However, its lumbering design and gas-guzzling capabilities meant it was ill-suited for modern asymmetric warfare, especially in urban environments. Moreover, the Humvee’s low mileage made it a poor choice for road trips.
The rebranding of the vehicle didn’t help to offset its hefty price tag, which caused many soldiers to seek cheaper alternatives. As a result, the Army and Marine Corps began replacing the Humvee in 2018 with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The JLTV is much lighter than the Humvee, and it offers better armoring, a mine-resistant hull, and greater off-road capability. As a result, the JLTV is more versatile than its predecessor and can be used for a wider variety of missions.