Just as the Sherman tank indelibly marked World War II, the Humvee – short for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle – bracketed a period of U.S. military intervention that began with the overthrow of Panama’s dictator Manuel Noriega and reached its zenith in Iraq. Now, the lighter, more advanced Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle is set to replace it. Click Custom Humvee to learn more.
The Humvee is an Army tactical vehicle that is designed to handle all kinds of terrain. It is used by the military to transport cargo, weapons and crew members. AM General developed it and first introduced to the military in the 1980’s. It replaced jeeps in the military and has seen action in the Gulf war and Iraq war. The Humvee or HMMWV has four-wheel drive and is much longer than a jeep. It has a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,700lbs and can carry a payload of up to 2,500lb. It has seating options of one-plus-one or two-plus-two based on the model.
The HMMWV has been in use for more than 30 years and has become a symbol of the U.S. military. It is the stalwart of the wheeled vehicle fleet and is used in conflicts across the globe. It has gained fame for its ruggedness and all-terrain capabilities, as well as for its ability to withstand Improvised Explosive Device attacks.
Despite these positives, the Humvee has not been without its problems. The vehicles have been prone to ground fire and have been vulnerable to roadside bombs. In addition, the military vehicles have been criticized for their size and inability to maneuver in urban warfare situations.
Despite these setbacks, the Humvee is expected to remain in service with the military for many more years. In fact, the military is currently seeking companies to design new kits for the HMMWV recapitalization program that will be used to upgrade about 60,000 older vehicles into more modern models. BAE Systems, Oshkosh and AM General are three of the major contenders for this lucrative contract.
History
The HMMWV, or Humvee as it’s commonly known, was first introduced in February of 1981, fulfilling the Army’s desire for an easily manoeuvrable, multipurpose wheeled vehicle. The Humvee has largely replaced the old jeeps and other military light utility vehicles, including the Vietnam-era M151 1/4-short-ton MUTT, M561 “Gama Goat” and their numerous ambulance and cargo versions, as well as the CUCV (Civil Unarmed Combat Vehicle).
The military’s initial reaction to the new truck was positive, and within six years, the U.S. had rolled them out in force for the Gulf War. The Humvee’s ability to maneuver desert terrain was one of its great strengths, and it even helped inspire the civilian Hummer automotive marque.
By the time of the Iraq War, however, it became clear that the Humvee’s greatest challenge would not be desert sand but crowded city streets. And while the Army tried to counter these threats with bolt-on armor kits that were as improvised as the mines and IEDs they were designed to defeat, these upgrades placed heavy demands on the Humvee’s engines, transmissions and suspensions, causing a rash of mechanical failures.
Despite this, the Humvee remains a powerful, versatile military truck that continues to serve on the front lines today. But the Army is also moving to replace it with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV. In the meantime, a growing number of veterans and other civilians are purchasing surplus military Humvees for use off-road and in urban environments. Let’s look at some of the differences between the two trucks and see how you can pick out the best one for your needs.
Engines
The Humvee’s 6.2 liter G.M. diesel engine is what gives this vehicle its formidable power. It has a top speed of 70mph and can be configured in a wide variety of ways to suit any mission. The HMMWV is also capable of traversing terrain that would stop most four-wheel-drive vehicles in their tracks, thanks to portal axles and a robust suspension system that allows the vehicle to flex in the corners.
The original HMMWV was designed to be a workhorse, capable of carrying heavy loads and driving over rough terrain without the need for additional recovery equipment. To that end, the vehicle features full-time four-wheel drive and independent suspension. It can climb a 60% slope and even ford water if necessary. The HMMWV is also very durable and can be driven off road for long periods of time without requiring regular maintenance.
The HMMWV is used by all branches of the military and can be seen in use in many different war zones around the world. It has largely replaced the frontline M151 Jeep, M60A3 tank and other light military vehicles in frontline service. The HMMWV is also very versatile and can be outfitted with various armor kits for added protection in hostile environments.
In The Walking Dead, the Monroe Militia uses a wide range of powered military vehicles, including several Humvees. Most of these are M114 up-armored models that have been modified in a variety of ways. The Militia Humvees feature armored doors but lack mounted weapons. They are painted in a combination of desert tan and NATO camouflage patterns. They also have powerful V8 diesel engines that can travel over difficult terrain with ease.
Transmissions
The original military Humvees were built with a 6.2L Detroit Diesel. It wasn’t a bad engine but it was underpowered by today’s standards. That’s why AM General has made a lot of upgrades to the powertrain of the Humvee over the years.
One of the main improvements was the addition of a four-speed automatic transmission. It allowed the Humvee to get more power and have better acceleration. This made it a much more desirable vehicle than the old GSA that was slugging along with a Detroit Six-Two.
Another upgrade was the introduction of an alternator to help recharge the batteries. The Army needed this because the Humvees were often operating without any outside electrical power. The alternator also helped with the cooling system to keep the Humvee running in hot conditions.
The Army has also tried to add more armor to the Humvee so it can be used in hostile areas. But it was found that the added weight would not allow the vehicles to traverse very easily over tough terrain. In addition, the added weight increased the vulnerability to IEDs. The Army has now shifted the emphasis to the JLTV program to replace the older vehicles.
The Humvee is still a vital part of the military’s arsenal and will likely continue to be for many years. The military is notoriously slow when it comes to approving and implementing new designs. This is why they are still using Humvees and other older vehicles as primary tactical vehicles after over forty years. They are also chronically overloaded with armor, guns, turrets and anything else you can think of to give soldiers an edge in the field.
Options
If you have ever dreamed of owning your own military vehicle, the Humvee might be just the thing for you. The Humvee is a unique, off-road capable vehicle that can easily take on any terrain or weather condition. However, it is important to understand the legalities and costs involved with owning a Humvee before making a purchase. Street Legal Exports can help you understand these aspects of owning a Humvee and help you find the best model for your needs.
One of the most popular models of the Humvee is the M998 HMMWV, which is often referred to as the classic workhorse. This versatile vehicle is ideal for off-road driving, and it can also be used as a light utility vehicle or even as a combat vehicle. There are many different upgrades and modifications that can be added to the HMMWV, making it a truly customizable vehicle.
The Humvee is a very fast vehicle, with a top speed of 55 studs per second. This makes it a great vehicle for quickly escaping or moving from one location to another. The vehicle is also equipped with a number of tactical add-ons, including light and medium armor. However, it is important to note that the Humvee can be easily defeated by a well-placed bullet or grenade.
Another option for the Humvee is the MRAP, which is similar to the HMMWV but has additional armoring. The MRAP is also faster than the HMMWV and can travel at a maximum speed of 75 studs per second. The MRAP is also equipped with a number of tactical upgrades, including thermal and night vision equipment. The MRAP is a great option for those who want to experience the power and capability of the Humvee without the hassle of maintaining a traditional military vehicle.