Throughout the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq the Humvee proved its worth as an open terrain, off-road support vehicle. However, when tasked with patrolling dangerous urban neighborhoods the aluminum body became an easy target for roadside improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades. Click the https://www.streetlegalexports.com/ to learn more.

To protect soldiers from such attacks, the military began to retrofit Humvees with armor and bulletproof windows. This added weight, though, slowed the vehicles and increased mechanical failures.

The Humvee (HMMWV, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) first came to public attention during the 1991 Gulf War, where it effortlessly negotiated the desert terrain. It’s gone on to serve in conflicts around the world, both as a transport and protection vehicle, and its popularity has inspired civilian versions. The military-spec HMMWV was originally unarmored, but the rise of insurgent threats meant the U.S. had to hastily up-armor select models and eventually replace them with the MRAP under the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

The military’s requirements for a new vehicle were stringent, and the Humvee largely met them. The vehicle could climb a 60 percent incline, traverse a 40 percent slope and ford 2.5 feet of water without a snorkel, and it had an independent suspension that provided gear reduction and increased ground clearance to 16 inches. The Humvee also had a powerful engine and a drive system that allowed it to move forward and backward at the same time, giving the vehicle excellent maneuverability for off-road use.

Today, the Humvee has conquered foreign battlefields and suburban soccer fields alike, but it’s reached a critical crossroads. With fuel prices high and warfare evolving, it’s no longer ideal for the missions it was designed to carry out.

AM General was formed in 1971 as a standalone automaker, but it had direct ties to a lineage of American car makers stretching back to 1852 and including Studebaker, Willys and Jeep. The company merged with the LTV Corporation in 1983 because of government rulings against foreign companies bidding for military contracts, and the Humvee continued production under this name through 1989. In that year, the Army began purchasing the JLTV as the HMMWV replacement.

Design

After the Vietnam War, the Army realized it needed better vehicles to haul supplies and soldiers. It was time to replace the old fleet of jeeps and light trucks. In 1979, the military drafted specifications for a new vehicle. It had to be able to navigate different terrains, carry heavy loads and offer protection against roadside bombs. It also had to have a lot of cargo space and be able to transport multiple crew members.

The military invited AM General, Chrysler Defense and Teledyne Continental to build prototypes. They ran them through 600,000 miles of testing in desert and Arctic conditions. The winning design was the HMMWV, or Humvee as it is widely known.

Unlike the traditional jeep, the Humvee is designed to be easily modified to meet specific needs. Its 15 configurations include cargo/troop transports, weapons carriers and ambulances. The Humvee can be outfitted with armor kits that make it even more resistant to attacks from terrorists and insurgents. It can also be fitted with roof-mounted cameras and sensors for surveillance, or tubes to launch wire-guided TOW antitank missiles.

The Humvee was also designed to be easy to maintain and repair. Its 15 configurations use a common chassis and engine, and the vehicle has 44 parts that can be used in more than one position. This helps keep maintenance costs low and saves taxpayer dollars.

But even with all the added armor, the Humvee wasn’t perfect. Soldiers were still killed by IEDs and roadside bombs. And the extra weight caused the vehicles to become unwieldy in urban settings. In fact, the Humvee is now being replaced with a newer model called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). It offers more protection and is more fuel efficient.

Engines

In the first few years of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, it became clear that the military needed something more than a jeep. Bolting on armor was a good start, but the extra weight of the plates made the vehicles slow and clumsy. Plus, the increased strain on the engine, transmission and drivetrain caused a rash of mechanical failures.

The solution to these problems was a new kind of vehicle, and the US Army awarded AM General contracts for prototypes in 1979 and 1982. The resulting M998 Humvee proved itself in rigorous testing against rocky hills, deep sand, 60in-deep water and desert heat.

Early versions used GM’s 6.2L diesel engines with Turbo-HydraMatic 400 transmissions and a four-wheel drive system that provided 16 inches of ground clearance. An aluminum body allowed for more flex on off-road terrain, and portal axles raised the drivetrain to provide even more clearance. Advanced shock absorbers and torque-biasing differentials allowed the Humvee to move through terrain that would stop other vehicles in their tracks.

As technology improved, the Humvee was fitted with armour kits to give service members more protection. The M1151 up-armoured Humvee includes the fragmentation kit five (FRAG 5) and objective gunner’s protection kit to protect against small arms fire, IED blasts and rocket-propelled grenades.

Today’s service members rely on the Humvee for everything from transporting soldiers to the front lines to patrolling dangerous urban neighborhoods. The vehicles can carry a maximum payload of 2,500 pounds and reach speeds up to 65mph on highways. The vehicle uses a 24-volt electrical system and is designed for operation in extreme conditions. A special variant called the HUMVEE Charge is available that has a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery paired with an electric motor powered by Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components. This hybrid-electric light tactical vehicle can generate, store and distribute power to external assets at low voltage rates, while recharging the ICE, battery and electric motor through regenerative braking.

Transmissions

The Humvee (abbreviated to HMMWV, or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) is the most versatile light military vehicle in the world. The Army has a large number of different configurations and variations of the Humvee, including cargo carriers, troop carriers, armament carriers, shelter carrier vehicles and ambulance versions.

The HMMWV is capable of traversing virtually any terrain or climate, from hot deserts to deep arctic snow, and its design allows for many types of weaponry. For example, a turret-mounted machine gun and grenade launchers can be added to the basic vehicle. A munitions storage compartment can also be installed in some variants of the Humvee, so that a large quantity of weapons can be quickly deployed as needed.

Like all military vehicles, the Humvee has a rugged build that is designed to withstand extreme conditions and rough treatment. The vehicle’s aluminum body panels are riveted and bonded for premium strength and flexibility. A rust-resistant coating is also applied to protect the aluminum from corrosion. A key advantage of the HMMWV over other military trucks and SUVs is its high ground clearance, which provides ample space for the occupants to move around or stand up when necessary.

The Humvee has many upgrades and modifications available to improve performance and reliability. The team at Banks Power, for example, has engineered a power-enhancing turbo system that improves the vehicle’s horsepower and braking capabilities. We’ve tested a Banks-powered Humvee in the Nevada desert over terrain that would make any desert racer wince, and the results were impressive. This is the kind of capability that the Military needs to complete its mission in harsh environments without sacrificing the safety of its personnel.

Options

Many Humvee owners choose to customize their vehicles to match their needs and preferences. For example, they may install a lift kit to make the vehicle taller and allow them to comfortably sit in the back seat. They can also add other accessories and upgrades to enhance the vehicle’s performance and capabilities.

Another popular option is to replace the doors of the vehicle with a different style to create a custom look. These options are available from a variety of vendors, such as Miles Fiberglass. Another upgrade that is easy to do is to install a Humvee composite panel reinforcement kit to protect the vehicle from damage and corrosion.

The HMMWV is an iconic military vehicle that continues to be a popular choice among enthusiasts and individuals looking for a reliable and rugged vehicle. Although it is not as fast as the new JLTV, it can still handle challenging terrains with ease. The vehicle has a powerful engine and an advanced suspension system that provides superior braking performance.

Some people prefer to convert their Humvees into civilian vehicles and use them for off-roading adventures or utility purposes. However, they must be aware that military humvees are not street legal, so they must undergo inspection and emissions tests before they can be registered. To avoid this, they should seek assistance from a company such as 5 Star Registration. This company can help them get their humvees registered within a few weeks.

Aside from the high purchase price, a Humvee requires regular maintenance and upkeep. These expenses can include fuel expenses, insurance, and replacement parts. To reduce these costs, some people opt for a cheaper alternative like a Chevrolet truck with a 6.5 turbo diesel and 4×4. For those who are looking to buy a military humvee, they can find one for sale at GovPlanet.