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==Usage in combat==
==Usage in combat==
[[Image:US Army Humvee attacked.jpg|thumb|left|[[United States Army]] Humvee attacked by a car bomb, [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]].]]
[[Image:US Army Humvee attacked.jpg|thumb|left|[[United States Army]] Humvee attacked by a car bomb, [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]].]]
The HMMWV was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport behind front lines. Like the previous Jeep, the basic HMMWV has no armor or protection against [[Weapon of mass destruction|nuclear, biological, and chemical threats]]. Nevertheless, losses were relatively low in [[conventional warfare|conventional operations]], such as [[Desert Storm]]. Vehicles and crews suffered considerable damage and losses during the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]] due to the nature of the urban engagement, however, the chassis survivability allowed the majority of those crews to return to safety, though the HMMWV was never designed to offer protection against intense small arms fire, much less machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. However, with the rise of [[asymmetric warfare]] and [[low intensity conflict]]s, the HMMWV has been pressed into service in urban combat roles for which it was not originally intended.
The HMMWV was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport behind front lines. Like the previous Jeep, the basic HMMWV has little armor for small arms fire, and none against [[Weapon of mass destruction|nuclear, biological, and chemical threats]]. Nevertheless, losses were relatively low in [[conventional warfare|conventional operations]], such as [[Desert Storm]]. Vehicles and crews suffered considerable damage and losses during the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]] due to the nature of the urban engagement, however, the chassis survivability allowed the majority of those crews to return to safety, though the HMMWV was never designed to offer protection against intense small arms fire, much less machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. However, with the rise of [[asymmetric warfare]] and [[low intensity conflict]]s, the HMMWV has been pressed into service in urban combat roles for which it was not originally intended.


After [[Somalia]], the military recognized a need for a more protected HMMWV and AM General developed the M1114, an armored HMMWV to withstand small arms fire. The M1114 has been in limited production since 1996, seeing limited use in the [[Balkans]] before deployment to the [[Middle East]]. This design is superior to the M998 with a larger, more powerful [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] engine, [[air conditioning]], and a strengthened [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] system. More importantly, it boasts a fully [[vehicle armor|armored]] passenger area protected by hardened steel and [[Bulletproof glass|bullet-resistant glass]]. With the increase in direct attacks and guerrilla warfare in Iraq, [[AM General]] has diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.
After [[Somalia]], the military recognized a need for a more protected HMMWV and AM General developed the M1114, an armored HMMWV to withstand small arms fire. The M1114 has been in limited production since 1996, seeing limited use in the [[Balkans]] before deployment to the [[Middle East]]. This design is superior to the M998 with a larger, more powerful [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] engine, [[air conditioning]], and a strengthened [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] system. More importantly, it boasts a fully [[vehicle armor|armored]] passenger area protected by hardened steel and [[Bulletproof glass|bullet-resistant glass]]. With the increase in direct attacks and guerrilla warfare in Iraq, [[AM General]] has diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.

Revision as of 02:13, 14 April 2009

This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors
High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee)
United States Marine Corps HMMWV in difficult terrain in Afghanistan
TypeLarge SUV
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service1984 – present
Used bySee Operators
Production history
ManufacturerAM General
Produced1984 – present
Specifications
Mass5,200 lb (2,340kg)[1]
Length15 ft (4.6 m)[1]
Width7.08 ft (2.1 m)[1]
Height6 ft (1.8 m), reducible to 4.5 ft (1.4 m)[1]
Engine8 Cyl. Diesel Template:Auto L[1]
Fuel capacity25 U.S. gal (21 imp gal; 95 L)[1]
An HMMWV firing a TOW missile.
An armored HMMWV and Marines.

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is a military 4WD motor vehicle created by AM General. It has largely supplanted the roles formerly served by the M151 1/4 ton MUTT, the M561 "Gama Goat", their M718A1 and M792 ambulance versions, the CUCV, and other light trucks with the United States military, as well as being used by a number of other countries and organizations.

Features

The HMMWV uses independent suspensions for high ground clearance, and has an axially delivered central tire inflation system. The vehicle also has disk brakes on all 4 wheels, and 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension. The brake disks are not mounted at the wheels as on conventional automobiles, but near the differentials to protect the brake lines.

There are at least 17 variants of the HMMWV in service with the United States armed forces. HMMWVs serve as cargo/troop carriers, automatic weapons platforms, ambulances (four litter patients or eight ambulatory patients), M220 TOW missile carriers, M119 howitzer prime movers, M-1097 Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger platforms, MRQ-12 direct air support vehicles, S250 shelter carriers, and other roles. The HMMWV is capable of fording 2.5 ft (76 cm) normally, or 5 ft (1.5 m) with the deep-water fording kits installed.

Optional equipment includes a winch (maximum load capacity 6000 lb (2700 kg)) and supplemental armor. The M1025 and M1043/M1044 armament carriers provide mounting and firing capabilities for the MK19 grenade launcher, the M2 heavy machine gun, the M240G/B machine gun and M249 SAW. The newly introduced M1114 "up-armored" HMMWV also features a similar weapons mount. In addition, some M1114 and M1116 up-armored and M1117 Armored Security Vehicle models feature a Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS), which allows the gunner to operate from inside the vehicle, and/or the Boomerang anti-sniper detection system. Recent improvements have also led to the development of the M1151 model, which is quickly relegating the previous models obsolete. By replacing the M1114, M1116, and earlier armored HMMVW types with a single model, the U.S. Army hopes to lower maintenance costs.

History

In the 1970s, the United States Army concluded that the militarized civilian trucks in use no longer satisfied their requirements. In 1977, Lamborghini developed the Cheetah model in attempt to meet the Army contract specifications. In 1979, the Army drafted final specifications for a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV. In July of that year, AM General (a subsidiary of American Motors Corporation) began preliminary design work, and less than a year later, the first prototype, the M998, was in testing.

In June 1981, the Army awarded AM General a contract for development of several more prototype vehicles to be delivered to the U.S. government for another series of tests, and the company was later awarded the initial production contract for 55,000 HMMWVs to be delivered in 1985. HMMWVs first saw combat in Operation Just Cause, the US invasion of Panama in 1989.

The HMMWV has become the vehicular backbone of U.S. forces around the world. Over 10,000 were employed by coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Usage in combat

File:US Army Humvee attacked.jpg
United States Army Humvee attacked by a car bomb, Baghdad, Iraq.

The HMMWV was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport behind front lines. Like the previous Jeep, the basic HMMWV has little armor for small arms fire, and none against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. Nevertheless, losses were relatively low in conventional operations, such as Desert Storm. Vehicles and crews suffered considerable damage and losses during the Battle of Mogadishu due to the nature of the urban engagement, however, the chassis survivability allowed the majority of those crews to return to safety, though the HMMWV was never designed to offer protection against intense small arms fire, much less machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. However, with the rise of asymmetric warfare and low intensity conflicts, the HMMWV has been pressed into service in urban combat roles for which it was not originally intended.

After Somalia, the military recognized a need for a more protected HMMWV and AM General developed the M1114, an armored HMMWV to withstand small arms fire. The M1114 has been in limited production since 1996, seeing limited use in the Balkans before deployment to the Middle East. This design is superior to the M998 with a larger, more powerful turbocharged engine, air conditioning, and a strengthened suspension system. More importantly, it boasts a fully armored passenger area protected by hardened steel and bullet-resistant glass. With the increase in direct attacks and guerrilla warfare in Iraq, AM General has diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.

Marines using an M1114 in a competition.
Humvee with bolt-on MAK armor kit
A Humvee with Mattrack snow treads
File:Romanian MP humvee.jpg
A Humvee of the Romanian Military Police

Modifications

In response to the vulnerability of HMMWVs operating in Iraq, "Up-Armor" kits were designed and installed on M998 HMMWVs. These kits, of which there are several types and iterations, include armored doors with bullet-resistant glass, side and rear armor plates, and a ballistic windshield which offer greater protection from ballistic threats and simple IEDs.

Although some of these kits were available prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, they were not provided in great numbers to American forces in Iraq prior to the invasion. As a result of this, American soldiers and Marines often improvised extra armor with scrap materials, known as "hillbilly armor" or "farmer armor" to improve the safety of the HMMWV. While this may have made the vehicle somewhat safer from a ballistic attack, it also increased the weight and raised the center of gravity of the vehicle, reducing its acceleration, handling, braking, reliability, and service life due to its overstressed suspension and drivetrain.[2][3]

In December 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld came under criticism from U.S. soldiers and their families for not providing better-equipped HMMWVs.[4] Rumsfeld pointed out that, prior to the war, armor kits were produced only in small numbers per year. As the role of American forces in Iraq changed from fighting the Iraqi Army to suppressing the guerrilla insurgency, more armor kits were being manufactured, though perhaps not as fast as production facilities were capable of bringing them online. Even more advanced kits were also being developed. However, while these kits are much more effective against all types of attacks, they weigh between 1,500 to 2,200 lb and have some of the same drawbacks as the improvised armor.[5] Unlike similar-size civilian cargo and tow trucks, which typically have dual rear wheels to reduce sway, the HMMWV has single rear wheels due to its independent rear suspension coupled with the body design.

The armor on most up-armored HMMWVs holds up well against lateral attacks, when the blast is distributed in all different directions, but offers little protection from a mine blast below the truck, such as buried IEDs and land mines. Explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) can also defeat the armor kits, causing casualties.

The armor kits fielded include the Armor Survivability Kit (ASK), the FRAG 5, FRAG 6, as well as upgrade kits to the M1151.[6][7] The ASK was the first fielded, in October 2003, adding about 1,000 lb to the weight of the vehicle.[8] Armor Holdings fielded an even lighter kit, adding only 750 lb to the vehicle's weight.[9] The Marine Armor Kit (MAK), fielded in January 2005, offers more protection than the M1114, but also increases weight.[10] The FRAG 5, the latest fielded armor kit, offers the greatest protection but may still be inadequate to stop EFP attacks.[11] The FRAG 6 kit, designed to do just that, is still in development, however its increased protection comes at a hefty price. Over 1,000 lb is added to the vehicle over the FRAG 5 kit, and the width of the vehicle is increased by 2 ft. In addition, the doors may require a mechanical assist device to open and close.[12]

Another drawback of the up-armored HMMWVs occurs during an accident or attack, when the heavily armored doors tend to jam shut, trapping the troops inside.[13] As a result, HMMWVs are being fitted with hooks on their doors, so that another vehicle can rip the door off, freeing the troops inside.[14] In addition, Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) windows, developed by BAE Systems are currently being fielded for use on the M1114 uparmored HMMWV, with 1,000 kits ordered.[15]

The soldier manning the crew-served weapon on top of the vehicle is extremely vulnerable; however, many HMMWVs have been fitted with basic gun shields, as was the case with M113 APCs after they were first deployed in Vietnam. The U.S. military is currently evaluating a new form of protection, developed by BAE Systems as well as systems designed by the Army, which are already in theater.[16] The new gunner's seat is protected by 1.5 to 2 feet (45.72 - 60.96 cm) high steel plates with bullet-proof glass windows. Additionally, some HMMWVs use CROWS, which slaves the machine gun to controls in the back seat to allow remote operation. The Boomerang anti-sniper system is also being fielded by some HMMWVs in Iraq to immediately give troops the location of insurgents firing on them.

Humvee equipped with Raytheon surface-to-air missiles in display at Paris Air Show 2007

Alternatives

Other countries in Europe and South Africa employ a number of different light armored vehicles, both tracked and wheeled, and some even built in the U.S. by Cadillac Gage, that are designed more specifically for low intensity combat situations, and are more resistant to small arms; some trucks even have high v-hull bottoms to deflect mine blasts.

In 2007, the Marine Corps announced an intention to replace all HMMWVs in Iraq with MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) armored trucks because of high loss rates, and has issued contracts for the purchase of several thousand of these vehicles, which include the International MaxxPro, the BAE OMC RG-31, the BAE RG-33 and Caiman, and the Force Protection Cougar,[17][18][19][20][21] which have been deployed with the Army and Marines primarily for mine clearing duties. Heavier models of Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV) can also be used for patrol vehicles.[22] Unfortunately, some MRAP vehicles have been known to become stuck or roll over much more readily due to their high center of gravity and overall larger size compared to the HMMWV.

Another weakness for the hummvee has proven to be its size, which has limited its deployment in Afghanistan because it is too large for many forms of air transport. This size also limits the ability for the vehicle to be manhandled out of situations. Additionally, troops in Bosnia found the vehicle's wide track to be a liability, since two Humvees could not pass each other on narrow mountain roads. One vehicle had to drive with two wheels on the unpaved berm, exposing it to land mine danger.

A HMMWV on the road.

Replacement

Main article: HMMWV replacement process
International FTTS UV Concept

The HMMWV replacement process, now being undertaken by the U.S. military, is an effort to replace the current AM General HMMWV. The HMMWV has evolved several times since its introduction, and is now used in tactical roles for which it was never originally intended. The U.S. military is currently pursuing several initiatives to replace it, both in the short and long terms. The short term replacement efforts utilize Commercial off-the-shelf vehicles as part of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program. Long term efforts include the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Future Tactical Truck Systems programs, which are currently focused on building requirements for the HMMWV replacement and technology research and evaluation. Various prototype vehicles such as the MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle, International FTTS and the ULTRA AP have been constructed as part of these efforts.

Versions

File:HMMWV variants.gif
HMMWV upgrade process
Humvee with a communications dish.
File:DSCN0065.JPG
M1114 up-armored humvee with flare/smoke launchers, modified turret shield, and marked location points for emergency egress bolts.

Major HMMWV versions

  • M56 Coyote Smoke Generator Carrier
  • M707 HMMWV
  • M966 HMMWV TOW Armored
  • M996 Mini-Ambulance, Armored
  • M997 Maxi-Ambulance, Armored
  • M998 Cargo/Troop
  • M998 HMMWV Avenger
  • M1025 Armament Carrier, Armored
  • M1026 Armament Carrier, Armored W/W
  • M1035 Soft-Top Ambulance
  • M1036 TOW Armored W/W
  • M1037 S-250 Shelter Carrier
  • M1038 Cargo/Troop Carrier W/W
  • M1042 S-250 Shelter Carrier W/W
  • M1043 Armament Carrier, Up-Armored
  • M1044 Armament Carrier, Up-Armored W/W
  • M1045 TOW Up-Armored Armor
  • M1046 TOW Up-Armored Armor W/W
  • M1069 Tractor for M119 105-mm Gun
  • M1097 Heavy
  • M1097 Heavy HMMWV Avenger
  • M1109 Up-Armored Armament Carrier
  • HLONS

Expanded capacity

  • M1113 The M1113 has been selected by the Army as its A2 chassis for HMMWV purchases. Currently, the ECV is used for special operations vehicles and communications shelter carriers.

During 1995, production of the M1114 based on the improved ECV chassis began. The M1114 meets Army requirements for a scout, military police, and explosive ordnance disposal vehicle with improved ballistic protection levels. The M1114 provides protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing projectiles, 155 mm artillery air bursts and 12 lb. anti-tank mine blasts. The U.S. Air Force has a number of vehicles under the designation M1116, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Air Force. The M1116 features an expanded cargo area, armored housing for the turret gunner and increased interior heating and air conditioning system. The M1114 and M1116 receive armor at O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Company of Fairfield, Ohio.

  • Packhorse - Attachment to convert an M1097 to tractor version for semi-trailers.
  • Scorpion - Version fitted with 2B9 Vasilek 82 mm automatic mortar. This is a heavy chassis Humvee equipped with a 2B9 Vasilyek 82 mm automatic mortar and intended to provide more protection for US troops in combat zones. This was developed in 2004 by engineers at the US Army's Picatinny Arsenal. The mortar itself can fire on single shots or on automatic using 4 round clips. Range for direct fire is 1,000m and indirect fire is 4,000m. It is also intended to provide another means of destroying roadside bombs but at a safer standoff range.
  • Composite HMMWV - A prototype developed by TPI Composites of Rhode Island and AM General.[23] The purpose of the concept vehicle is to reduce the vehicle's weight so that it may more easily carry an up armor kit.[24] TPI's all-composite HMMWV saves approximately 900 pounds when compared to a current steel and aluminum HMMWV.[25][26]

International versions

An Eastwind EQ2050 at the China People's Revolution Military Museum during the "Our troops towards the sky" exhibition.
Greek Army M1114GR HMMWV have the ability to mount the 9M133 Kornet on top.

There are at least two Chinese automobile manufacturers building HMMWV copies, possibly with the assistance of General Motors. Both HMMWV copies rely heavily on imported U.S.-made parts including chassis, gear box, and diesel engine. It appears that at least one company, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), has the full consent and cooperation of the General Motors Corporation. Both manufacturers claimed that they will be able to gradually increase the percentage of indigenously made content on the vehicles in the future, since the PLA is unlikely willing to accept any equipment that relies largely on foreign made parts.

  • Bulgaria - Bulgarian HMMWVs have been fitted with NSVT heavy machine guns. Bulgaria usually replaces western machine guns on its vehicles to simplify maintenance, since the country produces mostly Soviet/Russian-type ammunitions.
  • Greece - Greek unarmored M1114, built entirely by ELBO in Greece, equipped to fire the Russian 9M133 Kornet ATGM. It has storage room for 10 missiles. Israel's Plasan has developed armored versions of the HMMWV, assembled by ELBO in Greece as the M1114GR and M1118GR.[27]
  • Plasan has also designed and supplied an HMMWV Armored Protection Kit for the Portuguese Army[28] and a different version assembled by Automotive Industries in Nazareth for the Israel Defense Forces.
  • The Swiss MOWAG Eagle light armored vehicle, designed for reconnaissance surveillance, liaison, escort, border patrol and police missions. Early versions of the Eagle utilize the HMMWV chassis, although the latest uses a Duro III chassis. It is an NBC-tight, air conditioned and armor protected vehicle. Eagle is in service and available in several configurations with varying levels of armor protection. The Eagle can be fitted with a wide assortment of armaments which can be manually or remotely operated turrets.
  • The Turkish Otokar Cobra light armored vehicle is the base of a family of vehicles. It provides full armor protection for a crew of 4 to 11 depending on configuration. Cobra is available in seven different configurations from Personnel to Weapons Carrier. In addition, Cobra is available with either a manually or remotely operated turret and can be fitted with a wide assortment of armaments. An optional swim kit is available.
  • Egypt - AOI has a project of fitting HMMWVs with anti armor weaponry, options include: TOW, Milan, or HOT missiles.

Humvee replicas

Due to the popularity of the Humvee, kits have been produced for the general market to build a Humvee-lookalike at home. While the kits do not allow you to build a Humvee from scratch (kitcar), they do allow you to turn a sedan into a Humvee lookalike. An alternative is to buy a preconstructed (or "turnkey") wombat. Various kits exist, but one of the most famous names is the "Wombat" (previously called a HummBug). The former vehicle can be purchased for $18,000.00; this puts it considerably cheaper than the actual Humvee ($56,400.00), or Hummer.

Some local vehicle assemblers in the Philippines even make small and full-sized replicas of the Humvee. They are usually mounted on chassis intended for jeeps, jeepneys, or (in case of the full-sized replica) small trucks, and is powered by surplus gasoline or diesel engines. It looks like a real Humvee, but it is smaller in size, and is priced the same as an ordinary "owner-type" jeep (Php80,000 upwards).

Similar vehicles

GAZ-2975 "Tigr" on rehearsal of Moscow Victory Parade
Toyota Mega Cruiser

Operators

HMMWV operator map - dark blue shows original Humvee operators, light blue shows PRC HMMWV operators
Slovenian HMMWV M1114.

In addition to the United States, the HMMWV is used by the following countries:

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f HMMWV Fact File. U.S. Army.
  2. ^ RESET of the U.S. Army's Vehicle Fleet Continues - Defense Industry Daily
  3. ^ $67M for HMMWV Recap Program - Defense Industry Daily
  4. ^ NBC: Boost for armored Humvee output - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
  5. ^ Up-Armored Humvee M1114
  6. ^ Up-Armored HUVMEE (UAH)
  7. ^ $595.8M Contract for M1151 Hummers & Up-Armor Price Limits - Defense Industry Daily
  8. ^ Armor Survivability Kit (ASK) for soft vehicles
  9. ^ HMMWV Armor Kit - Battelle
  10. ^ Marine Armor Kit [MAK ]
  11. ^ Thousands of Army Humvees Lack Armor Upgrade - washingtonpost.com
  12. ^ Humvee May Get Armor, Performance Boost
  13. ^ Field Life-saver: 10th Mountain Division Invents “The Rat Claw” - Defense Industry Daily
  14. ^ Humvee Doors Trap Troops
  15. ^ BAE Invents VEE Quick-Escape Bulletproof Windows - Defense Industry Daily
  16. ^ Now That's a Gunshield: The Chavis Turret - Defense Industry Daily
  17. ^ MRAP Advance Purchase #2: Oshkosh, PVI & GD
  18. ^ MRAP: Survivable Rides, Start Rolling
  19. ^ Cougar Armored Trucks to Stalk Mines on the Battlefield
  20. ^ "Marine Corps Announces Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Contracts". Archived from the original on 2007-12-29.
  21. ^ "Dingo - All Protected Vehicle (APV)". Retrieved 2008-08-05.
  22. ^ "Dutch Spend EUR 25M on Bushmaster IMVs for Afghan Mission (updated)". Defense Industry Daily. 2006-08-07. Retrieved 2007-01-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ TPI Composites and Armor Holdings Unveil Army's First All-Composite Military Vehicle
  24. ^ TPI Composites engineers, fabricates and builds large scale composite structures and composite components for the wind energy, military, and transportation markets
  25. ^ TPI Composites and Armor Holdings Unveil Army's First All-Composite Military Vehicle
  26. ^ Defense Update Newscast - 200707
  27. ^ 25th March Independence Day parade
  28. ^ ASDNews - Aerospace & Defence News - Plasan Sasa Completes Delivery of Unique HMMWV Armor Suites to Portuguese Army
  29. ^ חדשות nrg - ה"חיה הרעה" של היחידות המיוחדות
  30. ^ Dnevnik.bg Купуваме 50 Хамъра за Сухопътни войски (in Bulgarian)
  31. ^ [1]
  32. ^ "U.S. Government Provides Tactical Vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces". Press releases 2009. Embassy of the United States - Lebanon. March 25, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
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