Something about a Humvee makes people stop and stare. The team at GovPlanet gets a lot of questions about these intimidating vehicles.
While the military is rushing to replace its aging Humvee fleet with new JLTV vehicles offering better protection, it still keeps many of them running. IronPlanet has an ample inventory of surplus military Humvees from which to choose. Contact Street Legal Humvee For Sale now!
In its storied military career, the Humvee has conquered mud, sand, rocks and snow. It has pulled trailers down the highway and evaded detection in the desert. It has hopped into the back of CH-53 helicopters, ridden inside the belly of CH-47s and taken to the seas with Marine Expeditionary Units. In its heyday, this funny-looking 4×4 was a hot-rodded Jeep when the Army needed an off-roader and an armored outpost when service members needed shelter.
In 1979, engineers at AM General began preliminary designs on a new vehicle that would eventually replace the quarter-ton M151 Jeep and other lightweight vehicles. They were tasked with creating a fast, agile vehicle that could traverse rough terrain, carry a full load of supplies and support the troops’ tactical needs.
After an extensive testing program that included 600,000 miles of off-road driving, the Army awarded AM General a contract to build prototypes. In 1984, the company introduced the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which was later shortened to Humvee.
During the first Gulf War in 1991, Humvees saw widespread use in navigating tough desert terrain. However, their minimally-armored design left them vulnerable to roadside bombs, killing many soldiers. To address this issue, the Army hastily up-armored select models and replaced frontline Humvees with the MRAP.
Despite this setback, the military Humvee remains popular worldwide. It is used by numerous other countries and organizations, and is also sold in civilian adaptations. In fact, the civilian Humvee has become an icon of American culture and is sought after by off-road enthusiasts and emergency services. Several companies now make Humvee-like trucks, including GMC and Land Rover. The former is currently owned by GM, and the latter is now produced by a Chinese company.
Design
The Humvee was born out of necessity, as the Army needed a new vehicle to replace its old jeeps and other light trucks. In 1979 the military began to look for a prototype for an all-terrain vehicle that could easily negotiate a variety of terrain and environments. Several companies were given contracts to build prototypes, including AM General, Chrysler Defense, and Teledyne Continental. The final design was known as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or Humvee.
It has a low profile, and its shape is engineered to help it hug the road. The wheels are also positioned close to the ground, which reduces the risk of damage when driving over mines and roadside bombs. In addition, it can be sling-loaded from an aircraft and dropped without the need to land. It can fit three in a C-130 Hercules transport plane and 15 in a Lockheed C-5A Galaxy.
While the Humvee was a resounding success, it was not perfect. One major problem was that it tended to become too heavy as the military added armor and other accessories to the basic model. Adding too much weight and armour to a vehicle that was not designed for it can be dangerous, especially in a combat zone.
Currently, the military has begun to replace Humvees with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This new truck is much lighter than a Humvee and more nimble. It also has better armor, a stronger V-shaped mine-resistant hull, and locking differentials that allow it to tackle rough terrain more easily. This vehicle will likely be used by the military for years to come, as it is capable of meeting a wide range of tactical needs.
Modifications
Humvees are used for a variety of purposes by the military, including patrol, ambulance and cargo/troop transport. They have a number of design improvements that improve their capabilities and safety. These modifications also help them perform better in rough terrain. These upgrades include a range of weapon systems, armor and other modifications to make the Humvee more effective on the battlefield.
During the initial months of operations in Iraq, Soldiers encountered a deadly new threat: roadside bombs that could penetrate the vehicle’s current armor. Added to small arms attacks, these deadly IEDs were quickly claiming the lives of soldiers behind the gunners’ seats. In response, commanders asked their troops to bolt on additional armor to the soft-skinned vehicles.
But the extra weight was counterproductive: The added steel slowed and clogged up the vehicles, making them difficult to maneuver and prone to rollovers. It also put unnecessary strain on the engine, transmission and drivetrain. A solution was needed.
One such improvement came from a pair of “hillbillies” from the Alabama Army National Guard deployed to Camp Victory, Iraq. A few welds and a lot of motivation later, they designed a gun-mount system that gives a Humvee gunner more firepower while keeping him safer. The system is now being used in the field by Soldiers and will eventually be used across the military.
While the military is beginning to replace many of its Humvees with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, it will continue to send thousands of these older trucks to allies and partners worldwide. As such, the military has been working to improve these trucks for years. Some of these modifications, such as a turbo and exhaust upfit by Gale Banks, have helped the Humvee conquer some radical desert terrain. Other improvements, like optimized antilock braking and stability control from Detroit-based company Ricardo Defense Systems, are meant to reduce fatal Humvee rollovers.
Performance
The Humvee, or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle as it is officially known, is a light tactical military vehicle developed by the US Army in the 1970s. It replaced the original Jeeps and other light vehicles, such as the M151 MUTT and M561 66 Gama Goat, which served during the Vietnam War. It is a very versatile vehicle that can be adapted for different uses, including ambulances and commercial cargo. It has also been used in other countries.
The HMMWV’s fame was catapulted in the 1991 Gulf War, where it showed off its off-road capabilities and became an instant status symbol for its owners. It was soon followed by the civilian version, the Hummer H1. The two cars are similar but have some differences, such as the fact that the Humvee is designed for military use, while the Hummer is a consumer vehicle with a focus on performance.
A Humvee is not considered a powerful car, but it is a reliable workhorse that can perform a variety of missions. The vehicle can travel on rough terrain at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and climb slopes of up to 60 percent. It can also withstand large amounts of fire, including air-burst artillery, without significant damage.
The Humvee has been a staple of the United States military for decades, but it is facing challenges from new threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To counter this, the Army has started to make some changes to the vehicle. For example, some of the vehicles are being up-armored and replaced with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or JLTV, which is a more advanced model. In addition to improved armor, the JLTV will be more fuel-efficient and have a better cooling system.
Price
The price of a military humvee can vary based on the model and modifications. However, it is important to consider other factors when evaluating a HMMWV’s cost, including condition and age. Older models may have missing or broken parts, which will increase the price. In addition, older HMMWV’s may need more frequent repairs and upgrades than newer vehicles.
A Humvee is a powerful vehicle that can help protect military members during combat. During the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, for example, Task Force Ranger’s HMMWVs came under machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Many of the vehicles were also hit by landmines.
If you want to get a military humvee, be prepared to spend a lot of money. You will need to pay for the vehicle, as well as shipping and sales tax. Depending on where you are located, these fees will vary. You will also need to find a safe way to transport the vehicle home, since it is not street-legal.
Humvees have been prized by off-roaders for years, but they’re not as affordable as you might think. In fact, they can be as expensive as a new SUV or pickup truck. However, if you’re serious about buying one, it’s worth the investment.
In 2021, Forbes reported that the Army was beginning to replace its fleet of HMMWVs with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JLTV has better armor; a mine-resistant V-shaped hull that deflects blast energy sideways, sparing the occupants; and more powerful engines than the best Humvee motors. It’s also more maneuverable than a Humvee, which makes it ideal for urban warfare.