Replacing the Army’s jeeps, the Humvee (or HMMWV) became instantly recognizable thanks to its low profile and wide stance. It’s also a vehicle that hugs the road, can be slung-loaded by helicopter and fit in the belly of a C-5A Galaxy transport aircraft.

It can withstand mud, rock, sand and snow. It has 15 configurations including cargo/troop transport, armament carriers, ambulance and shelter carriers with 44 interchangeable parts. Click Street Legal Exports to learn more.

The HMMWV, or Humvee, is a military vehicle that has been a staple of many wars and other large military operations. It’s a tough, four-wheel drive truck that can be outfitted for a wide variety of purposes and missions. The vehicle is also used by emergency responders to get to hard-to-reach locations where other vehicles might not be able to go.

The vehicle is designed to be very durable and can be outfitted with various armor configurations to protect the crew. It can even be equipped with a weapon mount and turret. The basic vehicle is a platform that can be converted into a weapons carrier, utility vehicle and field ambulance.

In addition to its impressive off-road capabilities, the Humvee is very easy to maintain. The bonded aluminum body panels are durable, lightweight and rust-resistant. This means that the entire vehicle can withstand the elements and still look good after a long deployment.

One of the most distinctive features of the Humvee is its stance. It rides higher off the ground than most other trucks, which allows it to traverse rough terrain without damaging its undercarriage. It also makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle when it’s parked.

Another feature that sets the HMMWV apart from other trucks is its brake system. Most vehicles have brake pads that attach to the axels, but the HMMWV has brakes built into its wheels, which reduces the amount of wear and tear on the tires and extends their life.

The HMMWV is built in the United States by AM General, an American company that has been producing the vehicles for the military since 1985. The company was recently sold to the Chinese company Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company, but that won’t have any impact on production of the Humvee. The Humvee is an incredibly versatile vehicle that has helped the military in multiple wars and other operations, and it’s likely to continue to be a key part of the Army’s arsenal.

History of the Humvee

The HMMWV, better known by soldiers as the Humvee, became one of the most recognizable vehicles in history as it powered through the desert and other war zones. The unstoppable 4x4s were a hit with both soldiers and civilians alike, who could not get enough of this imposing vehicle. While you won’t see Arnold Schwarzenegger driving a Humvee any longer, the military-based utility vehicles are still in action today, serving in the United States and friendly foreign armies around the world.

The Army decided to update its fleet of light military vehicles in the 1970s, seeking an off-roader that could handle a variety of environments from the harsh desert to jungles and urban areas. The military also sought a truck that could carry a wide range of equipment, including mounted weapons such as machine guns and the roof-mounted Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wireless-Guided (TOW) anti-tank missile.

Defense contractor AM General responded to the Army’s request by creating a number of prototypes, with the Army ultimately choosing the design of a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or Humvee, which entered production in 1983.

The Humvee is capable of crossing terrain that would stop other four-wheel drive vehicles in their tracks thanks to independent front and rear suspensions, advanced shock absorbers and locking differentials. The trucks are also built with an aluminum body, which keeps the weight down and reduces maintenance needs. The Humvee can also be customized with a variety of add-on armor kits, such as under-body plates and heavy doors, while more militarized versions may have weapon shields, reinforced seats, heavy armor and more.

Over the years, the Humvee has been used in a variety of situations, from transporting troops and supplies to acting as ambulances and even as an armored outpost. The military also began using the Humvee in combat operations when it fought terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, due to their size and the growing threat of roadside bombs, Humvees have been replaced by lighter Joint Light Tactical Vehicles in many instances.

While the Humvee is a proven performer in all environments, the new JLTV offers superior protection, a faster top speed and a sturdier frame. The Humvee is still in use by the military, but it will likely be phased out for good when it’s fully replaced.

The HMMWV

The HMMWV, also known as the Humvee or H1, is a 4×4 general utility military vehicle. It is in use in over 70 countries worldwide and has become the standard Army tactical vehicle for a variety of roles. The HMMWV is a highly adaptable platform that can be fitted with various weapon systems and equipment.

It was designed as a replacement for the WWII jeep. AM General’s prototype was built in 1979 using chassis components from the AMC Eagle Wagon, GMC K pickup truck and Dodge W200 civilian vehicles. The chassis was designed to accept a wide range of military equipment, including machine guns and anti-tank missile launchers. The HMMWV is a 4×4 vehicle with independent suspension and full-time 4-wheel drive. The tires are radial, providing high off-road traction and ground clearance. The body is made of aluminum which reduces the vehicle’s weight and provides resistance to corrosion. The driveline is mounted high inside the vehicle’s body, giving it a low center of gravity and excellent approach and departure angles. The geared hubs located on each wheel allow the axles to enter the wheels above the centerline of the vehicle, increasing the overall ground clearance.

There are at least 17 HMMWV variants in service with the United States military. These include cargo/troop carriers, automatic weapons platforms, armament carrier vehicles, shelter carrier vehicles, M220 TOW missile system carriers, M119 howitzer prime movers and the MRQ-12 direct air support vehicle. The HMMWV can ford 2.5 ft (76 cm) normally and up to 5 ft (1.5 m) with the addition of deep-water fording kits.

Besides its main functions, the HMMWV can be configured for scouting and screening operations. Up-Armored HMMWV-mounted scouts enhance security by patrolling primary lines of communication, establishing observation posts and covering gaps between maneuver forces. In addition, scouts can reconnoiter potential threat landing and drop zones. The HMMWV can also be equipped for medical aid missions. Ambulance HMMWVs can carry up to four litter patients or eight ambulatory patients. HMMWVs are able to climb slopes up to 60% when fully loaded. They can also traverse slopes up to 40% when unloaded.

Variants of the Humvee

There are many different variations of the Humvee, each designed for a specific purpose. They can be adapted to act as a cargo carrier, troop transport, ambulance or shelter carrier. They can also be modified to mount weapons, such as the 105mm howitzer or the roof-mounted Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wireless-Guided (TOW) anti-tank missile. They are manufactured by various companies, with AM General producing the majority of them for use by US Armed Forces. Two versions, the Eagle and the Cobra, are produced in collaboration with foreign firms.

The HMMWV, as it’s more commonly known, has largely supplanted the roles previously performed by the jeep and other Military light utility vehicles. It can carry three times as much payload under combat conditions, has a lower center of gravity and is more stable than traditional jeeps. It is also designed to be a multi-service vehicle, satisfying the needs of not only the Army but the Marines and the Air Force as well.

One of the reasons that the HMMWV is so versatile is that all of its variants have a similar chassis, engine and transmission. This allows for a single group of maintenance workers, called MOS 91Bs or Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics, to maintain and repair all of the models without having to undergo extra training. The Humvees also have loops around their frames that are capable of being hooked up to straps on other vehicles or the belly of aircraft. They can be air-dropped or sling-loaded, and up to fifteen of them can fit in a C-130 Hercules or C-5A Galaxy.

In 2006, AM General released a new version of the Humvee that included improved durability and protection against corrosion. The new model could travel at up to 70mph and had a 9,000lb winch. It was also more spacious, with a new steering wheel and column and a better cargo capacity.

The Humvee is a remarkable piece of engineering, both in its design and in its longevity. It has become a staple of the Military, both globally and in America. But the true story behind its creation is both more interesting and more complicated than simply being a “jeep killer.” To learn more about the development of the Humvee, check out this blog.