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The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV; colloquial: Humvee) is a family of light, four-wheel drive military trucks and utility vehicles produced by AM General.[17] It has largely supplanted the roles previously performed by the original jeep, and others such as the Vietnam War-era M151 Jeep, the M561 "Gama Goat", their M718A1 and M792 ambulance versions, the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle, and other light trucks. Primarily used by the United States military, it is also used by numerous other countries and organizations and even in civilian adaptations.

Key Information

The Humvee saw widespread use in the Gulf War of 1991, where it navigated the desert terrain; this usage helped to inspire civilian Hummer versions. The vehicle's original unarmored design was later seen to be inadequate and was found to be particularly vulnerable to improvised explosive devices in the Iraq War. The U.S. hastily up-armored select models and replaced frontline units with the MRAP. Under the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, in 2015 the U.S. Army selected the Oshkosh L-ATV to replace the vehicle in frontline U.S. military service.[18]

History

[edit]

Since World War II, the "Willys MB 14-ton Truck, Command and Reconnaissance", and its evolutions, were used for mass-deployment, and became known as "jeeps". The United States military had continued to rely heavily on jeeps as general utility vehicles and as a mass-transport for soldiers in small groups. Although the U.S. Army had let Ford redesign the jeep from the ground up during the 1950s, and the resulting 1960 Ford M151 jeep incorporated significant innovations, it firmly adhered to the original concept: a very compact, light enough to manhandle, low profile vehicle, with a folding windshield, that a layman could barely distinguish from the preceding Willys jeeps. The jeeps were more than two feet shorter than a Volkswagen Beetle and weighed just over one metric ton, seating three to four, with a 800 lb (360 kg) off-road payload rating. During and after the war, the very light, 14-ton jeeps were complemented by the 34-ton Dodge WC and Korean War Dodge M37 models.[citation needed]

By the mid-1960s, the U.S. military felt a need to reevaluate their aging light vehicle fleet.[19] From the mid-1960s, the U.S. Army had tried to modernize, through replacing the larger, purpose-built Dodge M37s by militarized, "commercial off the shelf" (COTS) 4×4 trucks — initially the M715 Jeep trucks, succeeded in the later 1970s by several "CUCV" adapted commercial pickup series, but these did not satisfy newer requirements either. What was wanted was a truly versatile light military truck, that could replace multiple outdated vehicles. When becoming aware of the U.S. Army's desire for a versatile new light weapons carrier/reconnaissance vehicle, as early as 1969 FMC Corporation started development on their XR311 prototype and offered it for testing in 1970.[19] At least a dozen of these were built for testing under the High Mobility Combat Vehicle, or HMCV program, initially much more as an enhanced capability successor to the M151 jeep, than as a general-purpose vehicle.[citation needed]

Humvee interior

The HMMWV program had its origins in the Combat Support Vehicle (CSV) program.[20] The XM966 CSV was a proposed platform for the TOW missile launcher.[21] Congress ended the program in 1977 due to the relatively small requirement of 3,800 vehicles. Adjusting to Congress's expectations, the Army increased the scale of the program, then called the XM966 High Mobility Weapons Carrier (CSVP), to replace multiple other trucks.[22] Congress, interested in a larger joint services truck program, removed the CSVP from the 1979 budget. The Army restructured the program, which was then called High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.[20]

In 1979, the U.S. Army released draft specifications for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which was to replace all U.S. Army tactical vehicles in the 1/4-ton to 5/4-ton range,[20][23] As well as select vehicles in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.[24] Namely these were the M151 quarter-ton jeeps, M561 Gama Goats, and the CUCVs, as one uniform "jack-of-all-trades" light tactical vehicle series, to better perform the roles of the impractically mixed fleet of outdated existing vehicles.[9][unreliable source?] The specifications called for a diesel engine,[25] excellent on and off-road performance, the ability to carry a large payload, and improved survivability against indirect fire.[26] Compared to the jeep, it was larger and had a much wider track, with a 16 in (410 mm) ground clearance, double that of most sport-utility vehicles. The new truck was to climb a 60 percent incline and traverse a 40 percent slope and ford 5 ft (1.5 m) of water[27] and electronics waterproofed to drive through 2.5 ft (0.76 m) of water were specified. The radiator was to be mounted high, sloping over the engine on a forward-hinged hood.[citation needed]

Out of 61 companies that showed interest in the contract, five companies submitted proposals before the deadline in April 1981.[24] In July 1981, the Army awarded contracts to three companies—AM General, Chrysler Corporation, and Teledyne Continental—to build eleven HMMWV prototypes each.[24] The vehicles (six weapon carriers and five utility vehicles) were delivered by May 1982.[28]

The Teledyne HMMWV was based on the rear-engined XR311 Cheetah. Chrysler's HMMWV was based on the Expanded Mobility Truck. Chrysler Defense was sold mid-competition to General Dynamics Land Systems. The AM General HMMWV was developed as a private venture to meet the HMMWV requirement. The first prototype (a weapons carrier variant) was completed in August 1980 and sent to the Nevada Automotive Test Center for testing.[28] AM General nicknamed the prototypes it delivered for the Army competition "Hummer," which AM General had the foresight to trademark.[20]

The vehicles underwent testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and Yuma, Arizona.[20] The vehicles were subjected to over 600,000 miles in trials which included off-road courses in desert and arctic conditions.[citation needed] On March 22, 1983, AM General was awarded the contract.[29][30] The vehicle's durability and light weight were factors that led to its selection.[20] AM General was awarded an initial contract for 2,334 vehicles, the first batch of a five-year contract that would see 55,000 vehicles delivered to the U.S. military, including 39,000 vehicles for the Army.[28] 72,000 vehicles had been delivered to the U.S. and foreign customers by the Persian Gulf War of 1991, and 100,000 had been delivered by the Humvee's 10th anniversary in 1995.[9] Ft. Lewis, Washington, and the 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division was the testing unit to employ HMMWV in the new concept of a motorized division. Yakima Training Center, Washington, was the main testing grounds for HMMWVs from 1985 through December 1991, when the motorized concept was abandoned and the division inactivated.[citation needed]

In June 1983, a Pentagon report noted the vehicle's "very low" reliability, averaging 370 miles between failures.[31]

In August 1989, AM General was awarded a $1 billion contract from the Army to produce 33,000 HMMWVs.[32]

Use in combat

[edit]

HMMWVs first saw combat in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. The HMMWV was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport behind front lines, not as a frontline fighting vehicle. Like the previous jeep, the basic first-generation HMMWV has no armor (though armament carriers and hard-shell ambulances did have modest ballistic protection)[33] or protection against chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. Nevertheless, losses were relatively low in conventional operations, such as the Gulf War. Vehicles and crews suffered considerable damage and losses during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 because of the nature of 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. With the rise of asymmetric warfare and low-intensity conflicts, the HMMWV was pressed into service in urban combat roles for which it was not originally intended.[34]

After Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, the military recognized a need for a more protected HMMWV. AM General developed the M1114, an armored HMMWV to withstand small arms fire. The M1114 has been in 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 asymmetric warfare in Iraq, AM General diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.[citation needed]

Humvees were sent into Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, where they proved invaluable during initial operations. In the early years before IEDs became prevalent, the vehicle was liked by troops for its ability to access rough, mountainous terrain. Some soldiers would remove features from Humvees, including what little armor it had and sometimes even entire doors, to make them lighter and more maneuverable for off-road conditions and to increase visibility. With the onset of the Iraq War, Humvees proved very vulnerable to IEDs; in the first four months of 2006, 67 U.S. troops died in Humvees. To increase protection, the U.S. military hastily added armor kits to the vehicles. Although this somewhat improved survivability, bolting on armor made the Humvee an "ungainly beast", increasing weight and putting a strain on the chassis, which led to unreliability. Armored doors that weighed hundreds of pounds were difficult for troops to open, and the newly armored turret made Humvees top-heavy and increased the danger of rollovers. The U.S. Marine Corps decided to start replacing Humvees in combat with Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles in 2007, and the U.S. Army stated that the vehicle was "no longer feasible for combat" in 2012.[9][26] However, Humvees have also been used by Taliban insurgents for suicide bombings against the Afghan National Security Forces in the country.[35][36][37]

The HMMWV has become the vehicular backbone of U.S. forces around the world. Over 10,000 HMMWVs were employed by coalition forces during the Iraq War.[38] The Humvee has been described as a vehicle with "the right capability for its era": designed to provide payload mobility in protected (safe) areas. However, deploying the vehicle to conflict zones where it was exposed to a full spectrum of threat which it was neither designed to operate, or be survivable in, led to adding protection at the cost of mobility and payload.[9]

On 22 April 2022, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby described a package of military equipment being transported to Ukraine to assist in its war with Russia, including "100 armored Humvee vehicles".[39] An additional 50 were promised on 19 August 2022, and were delivered at an unknown date.[40] A number of Humvees were used in the assault on the Russian oblast of Belgorod on 22 May 2023.[41] Ukraine first received Humvees from the U.S. in 2001, and they were used by them in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo that same year.[41]

Modifications

[edit]
A U.S. Marine Corps M1123 HMMWV in 2004, equipped with a bolt-on MAK armor kit

In December 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld came under criticism from U.S. troops and their families for not providing better-equipped HMMWVs.[42] Rumsfeld pointed out that, before 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 insurgency, more armor kits were being manufactured, though perhaps not as fast as production facilities were capable. Even more advanced kits were also being developed. While these kits are much more effective against all types of attacks, they weigh from 1,500 to 2,200 lb (680 to 1,000 kg) and have some of the same drawbacks as the improvised armor.[43] Unlike similar-sized civilian cargo and tow trucks, which typically have dual rear wheels to reduce sway, the HMMWV has single rear wheels because of its independent rear suspension coupled with the body design.

Most up-armored HMMWVs hold up well against lateral attacks when the blast is distributed in all different directions but offer 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.

At the Bridgeport, California Mountain Warfare Training Center in March 1997, a test HMMWV drives through the snow, equipped with Mattracks treads

The armor kits fielded include the Armor Survivability Kit (ASK), FRAG 5, FRAG 6, as well as upgrade kits to the M1151.[44][45] The ASK was the first fielded in October 2003, adding about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) to the weight of the vehicle.[46] Armor Holdings fielded an even lighter kit, adding only 750 pounds (340 kg) to the vehicle's weight.[47] The Marine Armor Kit (MAK), fielded in January 2005, offers more protection than the M1114 but also increases weight.[citation needed] The FRAG 5 offered even more protection but was still inadequate to stop EFP attacks.[48] The FRAG 6 kit is designed to do just that, however its increased protection adds over 1,000 lb (450 kg) the vehicle over the FRAG 5 kit, and the width is increased by 2 feet (61 cm). The doors may also require a mechanical assist device to open and close.[49]

A HMMWV equipped with SLAMRAAM surface-to-air missiles, on display at the Paris Air Show in June 2007

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.[50] As a result, the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center developed the Humvee Crew Extraction D-ring in 2006. The D-ring hooks on the door of the HMMWV so that another vehicle can rip the door off with a tow strap, chain, or cable to free the troops inside.[51][52] The D-ring was later recognized as one of the top 10 greatest Army inventions of 2006.[53] In addition, Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) windows, developed by BAE Systems, were fielded for use on the M1114 up-armored HMMWV, with 1,000 kits ordered.[54]

Soldiers of 3rd BCT/25th ID use an M153 CROWS atop an M1115A1 HMMWV at the Battle Area Complex, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 2017

The soldier manning the exposed crew-served weapon on top of the vehicle is extremely vulnerable. In response, many HMMWVs have been fitted with basic gun shields or turrets, 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.[55] The new gunner's seat is protected by 1.5 to 2 feet (46 to 61 cm) high steel plates with bulletproof glass windows. Additionally, some HMMWVs have been fitted with a remotely operated CROWS weapon station, which slaves the machine gun to controls in the back seat so it can be fired without exposing the crew. The Boomerang anti-sniper system was also fielded by some HMMWVs in Iraq to immediately give troops the location of insurgents firing on them.

Another weakness for the HMMWV has proven to be its size, which limited its deployment in Afghanistan because it is too wide for the smallest roads and too large for many forms of air transport compared to jeeps or Land Rover-sized vehicles (which are, respectively, 24 and 15 inches narrower). This size also limits the ability of the vehicle to be manhandled out of situations.

Alternatives

[edit]

The Army purchased a purpose-built armored car, the M1117 armored security vehicle, also known as an armored personnel carrier (APC), in limited numbers for use by the United States Army Military Police Corps. In 2007, the Marine Corps announced an intention to replace all HMMWVs in Iraq with MRAPs because of high loss rates and 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,[56][57][58][59][60] which were deployed primarily for mine clearing duties. Heavier models of infantry mobility vehicles (IMV) can also be used for patrol vehicles.[61] The MaxxPro Line has been shown to have the highest rate of vehicle rollover accidents because of its very high center of gravity and immense weight.

Replacement and future

[edit]

The Humvee replacement process undertaken by the U.S. military focused on interim replacement with MRAPs and long-term replacement with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The HMMWV has evolved several times since its introduction and was used in tactical roles for which it was never originally intended. The military pursued several initiatives to replace it, both in the short and long terms. The short-term replacement efforts utilized commercial off-the-shelf vehicles as part of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program. These vehicles were procured to replace Humvees in combat theaters. The long-term replacement for the Humvee is the JLTV which is designed from the ground up. The Future Tactical Truck System (FTTS) program was initiated to analyze potential requirements for a Humvee replacement. Various prototype vehicles such as the MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle, and the ULTRA AP have been constructed as part of these efforts. The JLTV contract was awarded to Oshkosh in August 2015.[62]

The U.S. Marine Corps issued a request for proposals in 2013 for its Humvee sustainment modification initiative to upgrade 6,700 expanded capacity vehicles (ECVs). The Marines plan to field the JLTV but do not have enough funding to completely replace all Humvees, so they decided to continue sustaining their fleet. Key areas of improvement include upgrades to the suspension to reduce the amount of force transferred to the chassis, upgrading the engine and transmission for better fuel efficiency, enhancements to the cooling system to prevent overheating, a central tire inflation system to improve off-road mobility and ride quality, and increased underbody survivability. Testing of upgraded Humvees was to occur in 2014, with production and installation occurring from 2015 through 2018. Older A2 series Humvees make up half the current fleet, and 4,000 are to be disposed of through foreign military sales and transfers. By 2017, the Marines' light tactical vehicle fleet is to consist of 3,500 A2 series Humvees, 9,500 ECV Humvees, and 5,000 JLTVs, with 18,000 vehicles in total. Humvees in service with the Marine Corps will be upgraded through 2030.[63] The Marines shelved the Humvee modernization effort in March 2015 because of budget cuts.[64]

Several companies are offering modifications to maintain the remaining U.S. military Humvee fleets. Oshkosh Corporation is offering Humvee upgrades to the Marine Corps in addition to its JLTV offering, which are modular and scalable to provide varying levels of capabilities at a range of prices that can be provided individually or as complete packages. Their approach is centered around the TAK-4 independent suspension system, which delivers greater offroad profile capability, improved ride quality, an increase in maximum speed, greater whole-vehicle durability, and restored payload capacity and ground clearance.[65] Northrop Grumman developed a new chassis and powertrain for the Humvee that would combine the mobility and payload capabilities of original vehicle variants while maintaining the protection levels of up-armored versions. The cost to upgrade one Humvee with Northrop Grumman's features is $145,000.[66][67] Textron has offered another Humvee upgrade option called the Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle (SCTV) that restores mobility and survivability over armored Humvee levels. Although the SCTV costs more at $200,000 per vehicle, the company claims it can restore the Humvee for operational use, combining Humvee-level mobility and transportability with MRAP-level underbody protection as a transitional solution until the JLTV is introduced in significant numbers.[68][69]

One suggested future role for the Humvee is as an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). If converted to a UGV, the vehicle could serve as a mobile scout vehicle with armor features removed to enhance mobility and terrain accessibility, since there would be no occupants needing protection. Because there will still be tens of thousands of Humvees in the U.S. inventory after the JLTV enters service, it could be a low-cost way to build an unmanned combat vehicle fleet. Autonomy features would allow the Humvees to drive themselves and one soldier to control a "swarm" of several vehicles.[9]

Although the Army plans to buy 49,100 JLTVs and the Marine Corps 5,500, they are not a one-for-one replacement for the Humvee, and both services will still be left operating large fleets. For the Marines, 69 JLTVs will replace the 74 Humvees in all active infantry battalions to cover its expeditionary forces. The Marine JLTV order is planned to be completed by 2022, leaving the remainder of the Corps' 13,000-strong Humvee force scattered around support organizations while soft-skinned Humvees will provide support behind the forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Army does not plan to replace Humvees in the Army National Guard and is considering options on how many of its 120,000 vehicles will be replaced, sustained, or modernized. Even if half of the force is replaced by JLTVs, the entire planned order will not be complete until 2040. If upgrades are chosen for the remaining Humvees, the cost would likely have to not exceed $100,000 per vehicle.[70] The Humvee is expected to remain in U.S. military service until at least 2050.[71] Ambulance variants of the Humvee will especially remain in active use, as the JLTV could not be modified to serve as one due to weight issues.[72]

On April 30, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Secretary of the Army to "end procurement of obsolete systems, and cancel or scale back ineffective or redundant programs, including manned aircraft, excess ground vehicles (e.g., HMMWV), and outdated UAVs".[73] The Army said it would stop procuring Humvees and JLTVs.[74] AM General said it would continue producing the vehicles, and it was unclear whether existing contracts would be cancelled.[75]

Design features

[edit]
A U.S. Air Force airman in Southwest Asia stands in the ring mount of a FRAG-6–reinforced HMMWV, 2010

The Humvee seats four people with an available fully enclosed aluminum cabin with a vertical windshield. It has all-wheel drive with an independent suspension and helical gear-reduction hubs similar to portal axles which attach towards the top rather than the center of each wheel to allow the drivetrain shafts to be raised for 16 in (410 mm) ground clearance. The body is mounted on a narrow steel frame with boxed rails and five cross members for rigidity. The rails act as sliders to protect the drivetrain which is nestled between and above the rails.[76] Raising the drivetrain into the cabin area and lowering the seats into the frame creates a chest-high transmission hump which separates passengers on each side and lowers the overall center of gravity compared to most trucks where the body and passengers are above the frame.[77]

The Humvee uses V8 powertrains from General Motors. Early iterations were issued with the 6.2-liter Detroit Diesel V8.[13] Later iterations were fitted with the larger and improved 6.5-liter Detroit Diesel V8. Power output for the naturally-aspirated version of this engine is 160–170 hp (119–127 kW; 162–172 PS) and 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) of torque, while the turbocharged version produces 190–205 hp (142–153 kW; 193–208 PS) and 385–440 lb⋅ft (522–597 N⋅m).[78]

The vehicle has double wishbone suspension with portal gear hubs on all 4 wheels and inboard disc brakes. The brake discs are not mounted at the wheels, as on conventional cars, but are inboard of the half-shafts, attached outboard of the differentials. The front and rear differentials are Torsen type, and the center differential is of the lockable type. Torque-biasing differentials allows forward movement as long as at least one wheel has traction. It runs on specialized 37 × 12.5 radial tires with low-profile runflat devices. Newer HMMWV versions can be equipped with a central tire inflation system (CTIS) kit in the field. While it is optimized for off-road mobility, it can achieve 55 mph (89 km/h) at maximum weight with a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).[79][80]

Humvee fording

HMMWVs are well suited for airmobile operations as they are transportable by C-130 or larger combat transports, droppable by parachute, and can be sling-loaded from helicopters, though there are smaller vehicles such as the Growler which were designed to fit into smaller craft such as the V-22. In combat conditions, the HMMWV can be delivered by the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System which pulls the vehicle out of the open rear ramp just above the ground without the aircraft having to land.

There are at least 17 variants of the HMMWV in service with the U.S. military. 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, M1097 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 feet (0.76 m) normally, or 5 feet (1.5 m) with the deep-water fording kits installed.

A U.S. Army HMMWV firing a BGM-71 TOW missile

Optional equipment includes a winch (maximum load capacity 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) and supplemental armor. The M1025/M1026 and M1043/M1044 armament carriers provide mounting and firing capabilities for the M134 Minigun, the Mk 19 grenade launcher, the M2 heavy machine gun, the GAU-19A/B gatling gun, the M240G/B machine gun and M249 SAW.

The M1114 "up-armored" HMMWV, introduced in 1996, also features a similar weapons mount.[81] In addition, some M1114 and M1116 up-armored and M1117 armored security vehicle models feature a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (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 quickly rendered the previous models obsolete. By replacing the M1114, M1116, and earlier armored HMMWV types with a single model, the U.S. Army hopes to lower maintenance costs.

The latest iteration of the Humvee series can be seen in the M1151A1 and later up-armored A1-versions. It has a stronger suspension and larger 6.5 liter turbo-diesel engine to accommodate the weight of up to 680 kg (1,500 lb) of additional armor. The armor protection can be installed or taken off depending on the operating environment, so the vehicles can move more efficiently without armor when there is no threat of attack. There is some underbody armor that moderately protects against mines and roadside bombs. Other improvements include Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) windows that can be quickly removed so troops inside can escape in the event of a rollover, jammed door, or the vehicle catching fire, and a blast chimney that vents the force of a bomb blast upwards and away from the occupants. The M1151A1 has a crew of four, can carry 2,000 lb (910 kg) of payload, and can tow a 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) load. On roads, it has a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a range of 480 km (300 mi).[82]

Variants

[edit]
M998 registered as a historical vehicle in Warendorf
HMMWV with a Phoenix satellite communications dish

Major HMMWV A0/A1/A2 versions

[edit]

With the introduction of the A1 series the number of models was reduced, with further designation revisions when the A2 series was introduced.[83]

A U.S. military M997 ambulance, emblazoned with the Red Cross
  • M56/M56A1 Coyote smoke generator carrier (mounted on an HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • M707 Knight (replaced, originally mounted on an M1025A2 HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • M966/M966A1 TOW missile carrier, basic armor, without a winch
  • M996 mini-ambulance, two-litter, hardtop (type classified but not produced)
  • M997/M997A1/M997A2 maxi-ambulance, four-litter, basic armor
  • M998/M998A1 cargo/troop carrier without a winch
  • M998 HMMWV Avenger (mounted on an HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • M1025/M1025A1 armament carrier, basic armor, without a winch
  • M1025A2 armament/TOW missile carrier, basic armor
  • M1026/M1026A1 armament carrier, basic armor, with winch
  • M1035/M1035A1/M1035A2 soft-top ambulance, two-litter
  • M1036 TOW missile carrier, basic armor, with winch
  • M1037 shelter carrier, without a winch
  • M1037 shelter carrier MSE
  • M1038/M1038A1 cargo/troop carrier with winch
  • M1042 shelter carrier, with winch
  • M1043/M1043A1 armament carrier, supplemental armor, without a winch
  • M1043A2 armament carrier, supplemental armor
  • M1044/M1044A1 armament carrier, supplemental armor, with winch
  • M1045/M1045A1 TOW missile carrier, supplemental armor, without a winch
  • M1045A2 TOW missile carrier, supplemental armor
  • M1046/M1046A1 TOW missile carrier, supplemental armor, with winch
  • M1069 tractor for M119 105 mm gun
U.S. Navy SEALs and GMV-N
  • M1097/M1097A1 heavy hummer variant (HHV)
  • M1097A2 base platform
  • M1097A2 cargo/troop carrier/prime mover (replacing the M998A1)
  • M1097A2 shelter carrier
  • M1097 heavy HMMWV Avenger (mounted on an HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • Packhorse – attachment to convert an M1097 to tractor version for semi-trailers
  • XM1109 up-armored heavy Hummer variant (UA-HHV) (replaced by M1114)
  • M1123 troop/cargo (U.S. Marines specific M1097A2)
Advanced up-armored HMMWV including armored gun turret
  • Active Denial System (mounted on an HMMWV)
  • Ground mobility vehicle (GMV) — USSOCOM Special Ops variants — initially based on the M1025; later GMV models based on the M1113 chassis. Another model, based on the M1165 HMMWV can be fitted with armor kits to create an 'up-armored' GMV with additional armor plating and an optional ballistic shield around the top gunner's turret.
Variants are GMV-S (Army Special Forces), GMV-R (75th Ranger Regiment), GMV-N (Navy SEALs), GMV-T/GMV-SD/GMV-ST - AFSOC variants, and the GMV-M (Marine Corps MARSOC) variant.[citation needed]
  • IMETS (mounted on an HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • ZEUS-HLONS (mounted on an HMMWV; not a type classified HMMWV)
  • Scorpion – single unit version, fitted with 2B9 Vasilek 82 mm automatic mortar. This is a heavy chassis HMMWV developed in 2004 by engineers at the U.S. Army's Picatinny Arsenal. The mortar itself can fire on single shots or automatic using four-round clips. The range for direct fire is 1000 m and the indirect fire is 4000 m. It is also intended to provide another means of destroying roadside bombs but at a safer standoff range. Only one has been produced.[84]

M1113 expanded capacity vehicle (ECV)

[edit]

Under contract to the US Army, AM General developed the M1113 expanded capacity vehicle (ECV). The M1097A2 is the basis for the expanded capacity vehicle (ECV).[85] The ECV provided the payload capacity allowing for larger and heavier communications shelters, improved armor protection level for scouts, military police, security police, and explosive ordnance disposal platforms.[83]

An M1114 with a Kevlar-wrapped turret returns from a combat logistics patrol (CLP) mission to CAMP Adder

In late 1995, the 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 (5.4 kg) anti-tank mine blasts.

In June 1996, the U.S. Army purchased an initial 390 M1114s for operations in Bosnia. The U.S. Air Force has several M1114 vehicles that differ in detail from the U.S. Army model. Under the designation M1116, the type was specifically designed and tailored to the needs of the U.S. Air Force.[83] 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 received armor at O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Company of Fairfield, Ohio. The M1145 offers the protection of the M1114 and M1116 for Air Force Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOS). Designed to protect Forward Air Controllers, modifications include perimeter ballistic protection, overhead burst protection, IED protection, mine blast protection, and 'white glass' transparent armor.[86] Before the introduction of the latest armored HMMWV variants, and between 1993 and June 2006, Armor Holdings produced more than 17,500 armored HMMWVs (more than 14,000 between 2003 and 2007), all but about 160 of the earliest models were M1114, with smaller numbers of M1116 and M1045.[83] The extended capacity HMMWVs, such as the M1165 can drive over an 18 in (460 mm) vertical wall and carry a 6,820 lb (3,090 kg) payload.[87]

M1165A1, Aviation Nation 2014 US Air Show – Nellis AFB, Las Vegas
  • M1113 shelter carrier – base for special operations vehicles and communications shelter carriers[88]
  • M1114 up-armored armament carrier
  • M1115 TOW carrier (no evidence of fielding)
  • M1116 U.S. Air Force up-armored armament carrier
  • M1121 TOW carrier
  • M1145 U.S. Air Force FAC
  • M1151 enhanced armament carrier (up-armored capable)
  • M1152 enhanced troop/cargo/shelter carrier (up-armored capable)
  • M1165 up-armored HMMWV
  • M1167 up-armored TOW carrier[89]
An M1113 Humvee chassis-mounted XM1124 hybrid-electric diesel-series hybrid-powered HMMWV, September 2009
  • Composite HMMWV – a prototype developed by TPI Composites of Rhode Island and AM General.[90] The purpose of the concept vehicle is to reduce the vehicle's weight so that it may more easily carry an up-armor kit.[91] TPI's all-composite HMMWV saves approximately 900 pounds (410 kg) when compared to a current steel and aluminum HMMWV.[92][93]
  • A prototype XM1124 hybrid-electric Humvee on an M1113 Humvee chassis powered by a diesel-series hybrid featuring an all-electric drive train has been developed by RDECOM/TARDEC. The vehicle has a 6 mi (9.7 km) full-electric range for silent operations.[94] It may have less emissions and save fuel in the battlefield, and it can increase the survival rate in emergencies such as if one of the engines is destroyed or fails.[95]
  • NXT 360 Humvee – This variant is available as an independent vehicle or upgrades for the M1100 Humvee series since June 2018.[96]

International versions

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A Dongfeng Mengshi (lit.'Eastwind Warrior') EQ2050 (licensed-built of the HMMWV) at China's People's Revolution Military Museum in August 2007, during the 'Our Troops towards the Sky' exhibition
Greek Army M1114GR HMMWV with the ability to mount a 9M133 Kornet on top, April 2007
Polish Army M1043A2 HMMWV, July 2005
  • Bulgaria – Bulgarian HMMWVs have been fitted with PKS general-purpose machine guns. Bulgaria usually replaces Western machine guns on its vehicles to simplify maintenance, since the country is an active producer of Russian or Soviet-origin weapons.
  • China - EQ2050/SQF2040 – See also Humvee clone manufacturing in China. Early generations of the vehicle are license-built Hummer H1, while later generations of the vehicles are of indigenous design. The licensed-built version rely on imported U.S.-made parts, including the chassis, gearbox, and diesel engine, while it gradually increase the percentage of indigenous-made content on the vehicles recently since China's People's Liberation Army is unlikely to accept any equipment that relies largely on foreign-made parts.
  • EgyptAOI equips HMMWVs with anti-armor weaponry, including TOW, Milan, or HOT missiles.
  • Georgia – Georgian HMMWVs have been fitted with PK general-purpose machine guns.
  • Greece – Greek HMMWVs, built entirely by ELVO in Greece, are equipped to fire the Russian 9M133 Kornet ATGM. They have a storage room for 10 missiles. Another version, the M1115GR, is equipped with the HK GMG 40. Israel's Plasan has developed armored versions of the HMMWV, assembled by ELVO in Greece as the M1114GR, M1115GR and M1118GR.[97] ELVO also produced the Ambulance version, a SOF version, and an engineering version of the HMMWV for the Hellenic Army.
  • Israel – Plasan has also designed and supplied an HMMWV armored protection kit for the Portuguese Army,[98] and a different version assembled by Automotive Industries in Nazareth for the Israel Defense Forces.
  • Mexico – The Dirección General de Industria Militar (DGIM), the Mexican Army's prime wholly owned military manufacturer, builds the HMMWV under license in Mexico[99] after a small number of US-built Humvees proved to be reliable within the Mexican Army. Mexican HMMWVs are similar to the US-built models but are slightly longer. They feature a standard selective shift automatic transmission connected to a Mercedes Benz diesel engine and an anti-spalling layer in the passenger cabin. Many are equipped with bulletproof windows and a layer of armor unique to these Mexican HMMWVs. In 2010, Mexico displayed a wagon variant with a second gun hatch to cover the rear of the vehicle.[99] This version also featured a more powerful V12 engine and civilian road wheels to increase top speed capabilities in urban areas.
Ukrainian Army M1167A1 HMMWV, rehearsal for the Independence Day military parade in Kyiv, 2018
  • PolandPolish Land Forces operate 222 HMMWVs (5 unknown variants are operated by Polish Special Forces). Over 200 are used by the 18th Airborne Battalion which is a part of the 6th Airborne Brigade. The used variants are designated as follows: Tumak-2 – M1043A2, Tumak-3 – M1025A2, Tumak-4 – M1097A2, Tumak-5 – M1045A2, Tumak-6 – M1097A2 (variant used for transport of special containers), Tumak-7 – M1035A2. All vehicles are modified to meet Polish road regulations and are equipped with Polish communication devices. 140 HMMWVs are equipped with a Fonet digital internal communication device. 120 Tumak-2s and Tumak-3s have a rotatable mount which can be fitted with either the UKM-2000P 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun or the NSW-B 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Tumak-5s are used by anti-tank subunits and are armed with a dismountable Spike missile.[100] Additionally Polish forces of ISAF operated 120 HMMWVs on loan from the U.S. forces.
  • Switzerland – Early MOWAG Eagle light armored vehicles utilized the HMMWV chassis, although the latest uses a Duro III chassis. The Eagle is an NBC-tight, air-conditioned, and armor-protected vehicle. It 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.
  • TurkeyOtokar Cobra – is a wheeled armoured vehicle developed by Turkish firm Otokar which uses some mechanical components, sub-systems and some parts of the HMMWV.[101][unreliable source?][102]

Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle

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Marine Corps inspected SCTV Humvee, 2010

Textron's Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle (SCTV) is a protective capsule that can increase Humvee survivability to MRAP levels while significantly improving mobility. The modifications come in five kits, but all five need to be installed before the vehicle can be properly called an SCTV. The vehicle features a monocoque V-shaped hull and angled sides to help deflect rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) with scalable levels of protection. It has greater engine power, replacing the 6.5-liter diesel engine with a Cummins 6.7-liter diesel and Allison 6-speed transmission, as well as a stronger suspension, improved brakes, higher ground clearance, and new onboard instrumentation. Fuel capacity is increased from 27 to 40 US gal (100 to 150 L; 22 to 33 imp gal) and the battery and fuel cells are moved from under the rear seat to the rear of the vehicle. Also included are a powerful air conditioner and heating system, run-flat tires, a thermal guard liner under the roof, sharp edges removed from inside the cabin, blast attenuating seats, and a folding gunner's turret allowing rapid deployment from a cargo aircraft or shipboard below deck. Although heavier than the Humvee, the SCTV is half the weight and costs $150,000 less than a comparably survivable MRAP. The basic version is a four-passenger armament carrier, but it can be configured as a nine-passenger troop carrier, air-defense vehicle, flatbed cargo truck, or field ambulance depending on the type of Humvee it is converted from.[69][103][104]

Work began on the SCTV in 2008 in anticipation of U.S. military upgrades, but it was shelved once they made the JLTV a priority. Textron then focused on selling the SCTV upgrade package to up to 25 countries operating the global fleet, a potential market of up to 10,000 vehicles. The upgrade can enhance the survivability of previously soft-skinned versions, sometimes sold by the U.S. as Excess Defense Articles, while costing and weighing less than a comparable MRAP. By 2015, Colombia had installed the SCTV into three Humvees for testing, and Ukraine had shown interest in upgrading their old-model Humvees recently supplied by the U.S.[103][104][105] Ukraine ordered three SCTVs in February 2016.[106]

Operators

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HMMWV operators
U.S. Marine Corps HMMWVs in the Philippines deliver food packs after Typhoon Ketsana, 2009
A HMMWV firing an AGM-114 Hellfire missile
U.S. Marines pushing an M1114 HMMWV during a 'Humvee Push' competition, in 2016
Humvee maintenance with engine exposed by Czech Army in Afghanistan
A Spanish Navy Marines M-966 equipped with BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile
The Mars Institute's Moon-1 HMMWV Rover waits for C-130 airlift at Cambridge Bay, Canada in 2009
Bahraini Army in the 2010s
An NYPD HMMWV equipped with LRAD
Albanian HMMWV M114 During a training with US troops in Biza

Former user

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Non-state actors

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A Humvee captured by the Taliban in 2021

Civilian sales

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In December 2014, the Department of Defense began auctioning off some 4,000 used Humvees to the public. While some have been transferred to domestic law enforcement agencies, this is the first time the military vehicles have been made available for civilian ownership. The idea is to sell them with starting bids at $10,000 each, rather than simply scrapping them as a way to save money and repurpose them. M998, M998A1, M1038, and M1038A1 model Humvees are available, which are out of U.S. service and lack armor. AM General has been opposed to the resale of military Humvees to the general public, primarily because surplus government vehicles would have cut into sales related to the civilian Hummer model, whose production ended in 2010.[178] The first sales from auction occurred on 17 December 2014 for 25 of the Humvees. Bids ranged from $21,500 for a 1989 M1038 to $41,000 for a 1994 AM General M998A1. The average bid was around $30,000 and the sale of the 25 vehicles netted $744,000 total.[179] GovPlanet has since taken over the contract and sells Humvees at its weekly online auctions.[180]

HUMVEE C-Series

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In 2017, it was announced that AM General signed a contract with VLF Automotive to build a new civilian version of the HMMWV for sale outside of the US. The initial contract calls for up to 100 a year to be built and sold overseas to places such as China, Europe, Middle East, and Australia.[181] These are essentially updated Hummer H1s, but cannot use the Hummer-brand owned by General Motors. These vehicles have not been approved for sale in the US due to safety or emission standards.[182]

Replicas

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Hawkeye 105 mm Mobile Weapon System in Camp Grayling, 25 July 2019

Kits have been produced for the general market to turn a sedan into a Humvee lookalike. An alternative is to buy a preconstructed (or "turnkey") model. Various kits exist, but one of the more well known is the Volkswagen Beetle-based "Wombat". This was previously named "HummBug", until the threat of a lawsuit from General Motors forced changes to the name and the grille design to make it look less like the real thing.[183][184]

In Australia, a Gold Coast-based company called Rhino Buggies produces replicas of the Hummer H1 based on the Nissan Patrol 4WD vehicle for around A$30,000.[185]

In the U.S., four companies offered Hummer-look-alike body kits that can be mated to GM full-size trucks and Suburban chassis and, in some cases, Ford, Dodge, and Cadillac applications. Some models are Urban Gorilla,[186] Endeavor SB400 and SB4x400 from Forever Off-Road, the Jurassic Truck Corporation T-Rex, and the Bummer from Tatonka Products. An additional company offers plans for chassis building. The kits range from two-door fiberglass models to steel tube and sheet metal constructions.[187]

Similar vehicles

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, is a family of light, four-wheel-drive military trucks and utility vehicles manufactured by AM General for the United States Armed Forces. Designed in the late 1970s to meet U.S. Army requirements for a versatile replacement to the M151 jeep, it emphasizes off-road mobility, a payload capacity of up to 2,500 pounds, and air-transportability by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The HMMWV features a V8 diesel engine producing around 190 horsepower, a four-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension, and a top speed of approximately 70 mph, enabling it to ford water up to 2.5 feet deep and climb 60% grades. Introduced to service in 1985 following a 1983 production contract for over 55,000 units, the Humvee rapidly became a cornerstone of U.S. and tactical operations, with variants including cargo/troop carriers (M998), armament carriers (M1025), TOW missile carriers (M966), ambulances (M996), and shelter carriers. Its defining characteristics—rugged durability, modularity for mission-specific adaptations, and high-speed maneuverability—proved effective in conventional conflicts like the 1991 , where it supported rapid ground maneuvers and . However, in during the and campaigns, the base model's thin aluminum body and low ground clearance exposed vulnerabilities to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), resulting in significant casualties and driving the rapid fielding of up-armor kits, bolt-on protection, and eventually heavier Mine Resistant Protected (MRAP) vehicles to mitigate blast threats.

Development

Origins and Requirements

In the late 1970s, the recognized the inadequacies of its existing light tactical vehicles, such as the M151 jeep and the M880-series 1¼-ton trucks, which originated from World War II-era designs and exhibited vulnerabilities including high rollover risk, limited payload, and insufficient off-road performance for demands. These vehicles failed to meet evolving requirements for rapid deployment, versatility across roles like reconnaissance, troop transport, and towing, and compatibility with airlift operations via aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules. To address these shortcomings, the initiated the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) program as a joint effort involving the , Marine Corps, and , aiming to consolidate multiple vehicle types into a single platform capable of replacing 1/4-ton to 1-1/4-ton trucks. In 1979, the released draft outlining a four-wheel-drive with a combat of at least 2,500 pounds while maintaining a gross under 7,500 pounds, powered by a durable for logistical efficiency and reduced fire risk. Key mobility requirements included ascending a 60% grade, negotiating a 40% side slope, fording 30 inches of unassisted (or 60 inches with a fording kit), and mounting/dismounting via a single tailgate or ramp, ensuring rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from to anti-tank roles. Protection features mandated run-flat tires allowing 30 miles of travel at 30 mph after multiple punctures, while the design prioritized compatibility and for superior cross-country speed over rough terrain. These specifications reflected a first-principles emphasis on causal factors like terrain variability and logistical constraints, prioritizing empirical performance data from prior failures over incremental upgrades.

Design Competition and Selection

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Army sought to consolidate and modernize its fleet of light tactical vehicles, including the M151 and various specialized carriers, through the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) program. This initiative aimed to produce a single, versatile platform capable of fulfilling multiple roles, such as troop transport, anti-tank guided missiles like the TOW system, and , while meeting stringent requirements for air-drop compatibility, a 1.25-ton capacity, a top speed of 70 mph, and superior off-road performance over 360-degree traversable terrain. The program evolved from earlier efforts like the XM966 TOW carrier prototypes and involved soliciting proposals from industry to ensure robust competition. By July 1981, after reviewing submissions from five of 61 solicited firms, the Army selected three manufacturers—AM General, Teledyne Continental Motors, and FMC Corporation—to develop and deliver prototype vehicles for evaluation. Each company produced multiple variants to demonstrate compliance with operational specifications, including independent suspension for mobility, diesel power for reliability, and modular designs for rapid reconfiguration. AM General's entry, developed partly as a private venture initiative to align with anticipated requirements, featured a robust aluminum body, four-wheel drive, and central tire inflation system. Prototypes underwent extensive five-month testing in 1982 at U.S. Army facilities, assessing durability under extreme conditions, such as 10,000-mile endurance runs, fording depths up to 30 inches, and 40-degree slopes, with metrics emphasizing low life-cycle costs and logistical simplicity over specialized features. Teledyne and FMC designs showed promise in niche areas but faltered in overall balance of mobility, payload versatility, and manufacturability, while AM General's prototype excelled in empirical performance data, including superior and parts commonality. In March 1983, the Army awarded AM General a $1.2 billion fixed-price contract for initial production of approximately 55,000 HMMWVs, validating the design's causal advantages in real-world tactical scenarios through prototype-derived evidence rather than unsubstantiated projections from competitors. This selection prioritized empirical outcomes from testing, such as reduced maintenance hours and higher operational availability, over institutional preferences for incumbent suppliers. Initial low-rate production began in late 1984, with full-rate production scaling by 1985.

Initial Production and Manufacturers

AM General, an American defense contractor headquartered in , was selected as the sole initial manufacturer of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, following a competitive prototyping phase concluded in 1982. On March 22, 1983, the U.S. Army awarded a $1.2 billion contract to produce 55,000 HMMWVs over five years, encompassing five basic variants and 15 operational configurations such as troop carriers, ambulances, and command vehicles. This contract marked the largest single award in the company's history at the time and initiated full-scale manufacturing exclusively under 's responsibility, with no concurrent production by other firms during the startup phase. To support production, constructed a dedicated assembly plant at 13200 McKinley Highway in , operational by 1984. Manufacturing began in the fall of that year, focusing on the baseline M998 series equipped with a 6.2-liter diesel V8 engine and for high mobility. The first production units rolled off the line in late 1984, with initial deliveries to U.S. military units occurring in March 1985, enabling early field testing and integration into inventories ahead of widespread deployment. These early vehicles prioritized ruggedness and versatility over armor, reflecting the original requirement for a lightweight replacement to the M151 and older trucks. Production rates ramped up steadily from the outset, with leveraging its prior experience in military vehicles like the M35 series to achieve and . By the contract's midpoint, output exceeded initial projections, demonstrating the manufacturer's capacity to meet demanding military specifications without reliance on subcontractors for core assembly. No foreign or alternative domestic manufacturers were involved in the initial run, ensuring standardized design fidelity under 's direct oversight.

Design Features

Chassis and Suspension

The HMMWV chassis consists of a ladder-type frame constructed from high-grade alloy steel, featuring boxed frame rails and five cross-members to provide structural rigidity for off-road operations. The frame incorporates a double-dropped channeled steel design with rails positioned closely to the drivetrain, enabling a central tunnel configuration that facilitates independent suspension mounting while maintaining payload capacity up to 2,500 pounds. Fabricated primarily from high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel or mild steel grades such as AISI 1006–1010, the chassis is engineered to endure extreme environmental stresses, including impacts and sustained loads equivalent to 3.9 g's in steady-state conditions. The suspension system employs fully independent double A-arm (wishbone) geometry at both front and rear axles, utilizing coil springs for load support and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers for damping. Front shocks are telescopic, while rear units incorporate rate-sensitive damping to adapt to varying terrain loads, enhancing stability during high-speed maneuvers and articulation over obstacles. This configuration achieves 16 inches of ground clearance under the axles and permits wheel travel sufficient for 60% gradients and 40% side slopes, outperforming leaf-spring designs in articulation by distributing forces independently per wheel for superior traction and ride compliance. Upgrades in later variants, such as the M1151 series, reinforce A-frame components to accommodate added armor weight without compromising mobility.

Powertrain and Mobility

The HMMWV employs a diesel V8 engine, initially the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated unit producing 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 240 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm in early M998 models. Later A2 variants upgraded to a 6.5-liter V8 diesel engine rated at 160 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission such as the THM-4L80E. Some configurations feature a turbocharged 6.5-liter variant yielding 190 horsepower for enhanced performance. The powertrain includes a two-speed transfer case with high-range 1:1 and low-range 2.72:1 ratios, alongside hypoid front and rear differentials geared at 3.08:1. This setup enables full-time four-wheel drive capability, optimized for tactical operations with independent suspension providing 16 inches of ground clearance. On-road top speed reaches 70 miles per hour (113 km/h) at lighter loads, though fully loaded configurations limit sustained highway speeds to around 55 mph (89 km/h). Fuel economy averages 10-12 miles per gallon, yielding a combat range of approximately 300 miles on the standard 25-gallon tanks. Off-road, the HMMWV excels with a 60% slope-climbing ability, 40% side-slope stability, and water fording depth of 60 inches without preparation or 30 inches fully prepared. Its design prioritizes rapid traversal of rough terrain, including vertical obstacle clearance up to 24 inches, though added armor in up-armored variants reduces agility by increasing weight and lowering center of gravity effects.
VariantEngineHorsepowerTransmission
M998 (A0)6.2L V8 Diesel150 hp3-speed Automatic
A2 Series6.5L V8 Diesel160 hp4-speed Automatic
Turbo Variant6.5L Turbo V8190 hp4-speed Automatic

Protection and Payload Configurations

The original HMMWV variants prioritized mobility over protection, featuring minimal or no ballistic armor to maintain a curb weight of approximately 5,200 pounds and a standard capacity of 2,500 pounds. Configurations such as the M998 cargo/troop carrier accommodated up to four personnel plus cargo, while specialized variants like the M1036 version or M1045 armament carrier included limited basic armor consisting of plating for partial resistance to fire. capacities varied by body style, ranging from 1,920 pounds in the four-litter (M997) to up to 5,300 pounds in expanded capacity models, though most operated around 2,500 pounds to preserve the vehicle's 65 mph top speed and off-road performance. Combat experiences in the and early revealed the standard HMMWV's vulnerability to improvised devices (IEDs) and , prompting the development of up-armored configurations. The M1114 Up-Armored HMMWV (UAH), introduced in the late , integrated heavier armor plating providing protection against 7.62mm rounds and fragments, but increased vehicle weight reduced to around 3,000 pounds and compromised suspension performance. Subsequent enhancements included bolt-on armor kits like the Marine Armor Kit (MAK), capable of withstanding multiple 7.62x39mm impacts within a square foot, though these added weight led to trade-offs in speed, , and rollover risk. Modern variants such as the and M1152 series incorporate modular armor systems and expanded capacity chassis, with payloads varying from 3,450 to 6,920 pounds depending on armor and fragmentation kits installed. These configurations balance —rated for and blast resistance—with flexibility for roles including troop transport (up to six personnel) or weapons mounting, though heavier armoring consistently diminishes the vehicle's original high-mobility advantages. The M1165, optimized for , maintains similar modular but prioritizes electronics integration over maximum .
VariantProtection FeaturesPayload Capacity (lbs)Key Configurations
M1114 UAHIntegrated armor vs. 7.62mm and fragments~3,000Armament carrier, enhanced crew protection
M1151/M1152Modular kits, TAK-1 suspension3,950–6,920 (varies by armor)Expanded armament/troop carrier
MAK KitWithstands multiple 7.62mm hitsReduces base by 500–1,000Retrofit for A2 series HMMWVs

Operational History

Early Military Deployments

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) entered U.S. service in 1984, initially fielded to units as a replacement for the M151 and other light tactical vehicles, with the first production deliveries under a 1983 contract occurring in 1985. Early deployments emphasized training exercises and routine operations, where the HMMWV demonstrated enhanced off-road capability and payload versatility compared to predecessors, carrying up to 1,200 pounds while achieving speeds over 65 mph across varied terrain. The vehicle's first combat use occurred during Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of launched on December 20, 1989, aimed at removing dictator from power. In this operation, HMMWVs served as primary transport for soldiers and supplies, operating both behind front lines and in direct support roles amid urban and jungle environments, where they navigated narrow streets and rough trails effectively. Troops reported positive performance, noting the HMMWV's agility and reliability under fire, including exposure to small arms, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades, which highlighted its unintended robustness beyond original scout and utility designs. Over the ensuing weeks until Noriega's surrender in January 1990, approximately 26,000 U.S. troops utilized HMMWVs in coordinated assaults on Panamanian Defense Forces positions, marking the vehicle's debut in sustained joint operations involving , Marine, and special forces elements.

Gulf War Performance

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) underwent its first extensive combat deployment during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to February 1991, where approximately 20,000 units supported U.S. and coalition forces across and . Primarily employed in , convoy , , and special operations, the HMMWV excelled in open desert environments due to its , , and 1.3-meter ground clearance, enabling it to traverse sand dunes and wadis that hindered heavier vehicles. U.S. and British special forces utilized HMMWVs, often airlifted by CH-47 Chinook helicopters, to conduct high-speed raids into "Scud Alley" south of , targeting mobile Iraqi missile launchers with minimal mechanical failures despite rapid maneuvers over 100 kilometers of varied terrain. In the ground offensive commencing February 24, 1991, HMMWVs facilitated flanking maneuvers and rapid advances, contributing to the expulsion of Iraqi forces from by February 27, with their 70-mile-per-hour top speed on roads and off-road agility allowing units to outpace retreating enemies and secure key objectives like the . Reliability remained high under extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) and frequent sandstorms, where the vehicle's sealed engine and air systems prevented widespread breakdowns, though fine sand infiltration required frequent maintenance of filters and seals. , averaging 10 miles per gallon, strained during the pre-offensive buildup but was mitigated by prepositioned supplies and support, without compromising operational tempo. The unarmored baseline design, optimized for mobility rather than direct engagement, faced negligible small-arms or explosive threats in the Gulf War's maneuver-heavy, low-intensity ground phase, as Iraqi defenses collapsed under coalition air and armored superiority, allowing HMMWVs to operate effectively without the vulnerabilities later exposed in asymmetric urban conflicts. Post-operation evaluations affirmed its durability, with field reports noting fewer than 5% downtime rates from environmental factors compared to legacy jeeps, validating the design emphasis on versatility over protection in scenarios.

Iraq and Afghanistan Operations

The HMMWV entered combat in during the March 2003 , where its off-road mobility supported rapid mechanized advances across terrain, enabling U.S. forces to cover hundreds of kilometers in days during the push to . In the initial conventional phase, the vehicle's speed and versatility proved effective against disorganized Iraqi regular forces, with minimal losses to enemy fire due to the short duration of . However, following the fall of in April 2003, the shift to operations exposed HMMWVs to improvised devices (IEDs) and ambushes in urban and rural patrols, where the standard soft-skinned models offered little protection beyond ballistic glass and doors. By mid-2004, mounting casualties from IED strikes—often using artillery shells buried roadside—prompted urgent up-armoring initiatives, as unarmored HMMWVs disintegrated under blasts equivalent to several kilograms of TNT, causing high occupant fatalities. The U.S. Army accelerated production of M1114 up-armored variants, designed initially for small-arms resistance, and fielded bolt-on armor kits; by January 2005, nearly 3,000 kits had been shipped to and to retrofit existing fleets. Despite these measures, vulnerabilities persisted: in the first four months of 2006, roadside bombs killed 67 U.S. troops in HMMWVs, with another 22 in non-up-armored versions, highlighting that added steel plating deflected fragments but could not fully mitigate underbody blasts without compromising the vehicle's lightweight design. In , starting with in October 2001, HMMWVs excelled in mountainous and rugged terrain, facilitating raids and troop transport where heavier vehicles faltered, as seen in early engagements. IED threats escalated post-2003, particularly along supply routes like Highway 1, but the vehicle's agility allowed evasion tactics in fluid combat, though up-armoring from 2004 onward—reaching models with fragmentation kits—increased weight by up to 1,500 pounds, reducing top speed from 70 mph to under 55 mph and raising rollover risks in rough conditions. By 2007, fewer than half of the approximately 14,500 up-armored HMMWVs in both theaters had received the advanced FRAG Kit 5 for enhanced floor protection, leaving gaps in blast resistance amid ongoing insurgent adaptations. These operations underscored causal trade-offs in HMMWV employment: initial mobility advantages suited blitzkrieg-style advances, but insurgency dynamics favored blast-resistant hulls over speed, prompting field expedients like reactive armor add-ons despite performance penalties. HMMWVs remained ubiquitous for logistics and quick-reaction forces through 2011 drawdowns, logging millions of miles while comprising a significant portion of non-infantry casualties, though exact per-vehicle loss rates varied by armor level and route selection.

Post-2010 Deployments and Adaptations

Following the drawdown of major combat operations in and , the HMMWV transitioned to primarily support, , and base security roles in residual deployments, reflecting its vulnerabilities to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) exposed in prior conflicts. In , a July 2010 directive from General restricted HMMWV use outside forward operating bases, requiring colonel-level approval for any external missions to mitigate risks, with the vehicles thereafter confined largely to internal perimeter patrols and transport within secured areas. This policy underscored causal trade-offs in the vehicle's design: its high mobility suited rapid maneuvers but lacked inherent protection against asymmetric threats prevalent in post-2010 environments. By the mid-2010s, as forces withdrew from combat zones, HMMWVs supported missions and partner capacity-building, such as advising Afghan National Army units until the 2021 evacuation, where empirical data from operational logs showed their utility in low-threat over direct engagement. In (2014–present) against in and , U.S. and advisory elements employed HMMWVs for mobility in partner-led operations and base defense, though frontline patrols increasingly favored MRAP variants or the emerging JLTV for enhanced survivability. Captured Iraqi HMMWVs, numbering over 2,300 seized during the 2014 Mosul fall, were repurposed by for suicide vehicle-borne IED attacks across and , highlighting proliferation risks from earlier U.S. transfers to Iraqi forces but not direct U.S. deployment losses. In , under operations like those in the , U.S. forces integrated HMMWVs into advisory and counterterrorism support for partners, with examples including logistics convoys in and joint exercises; the U.S. delivered 54 new HMMWVs to Djiboutian forces in January 2020 as part of a $31 million package to bolster regional stability operations. These deployments prioritized the vehicle's off-road versatility in austere terrains where heavier alternatives underperformed, per after-action reports emphasizing empirical mobility data over armored protection in non-peer threats. Adaptations post-2010 focused on recapitalization to prolong fleet life amid fiscal constraints and the JLTV transition, converting older A2-series vehicles to expanded capacity configurations with upgraded suspensions, engines, and electronics for improved payload and reliability without full replacement. The U.S. Army's HMMWV Recapitalization Program, redirected in the early to prioritize III assets, rebuilt vehicles at depots like , targeting over 30,000 units cumulatively by incorporating post-IED lessons such as reinforced chassis and better powertrains. In September 2018, secured a $51.3 million to recapitalize HMMWVs, involving disassembly, component , and reassembly to near-zero-hour condition, sustaining operational readiness for training and rear-echelon duties. Annual efforts processed about 1,200 vehicles at roughly $150 million, balancing cost-effectiveness against JLTV's higher per-unit expense; however, decisions canceled broader initiatives to reallocate funds, reflecting first-principles of scalable over incremental HMMWV enhancements. These modifications preserved causal advantages in versatility—evidenced by sustained exports, including 2,526 units to Afghan forces via a extended into the decade—for allied operations where empirical field tests confirmed superior adaptability in diverse environments compared to rigid alternatives.

Combat Effectiveness

Strengths in Mobility and Versatility

The HMMWV's system and four-wheel-drive configuration enable superior off-road , with 16 inches of ground clearance allowing traversal of rugged that heavier vehicles cannot access. Its aluminum body, weighing under 5,200 pounds curb, facilitates rapid acceleration and maneuverability, achieving highway speeds exceeding 70 mph while maintaining stability in high-mobility operations. The vehicle's 6.2-liter provides a operational range of approximately 250-300 miles on a 25-gallon , supporting extended patrols without frequent refueling. Air transportability enhances the HMMWV's strategic mobility, as it can be slung under helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook or air-dropped via , enabling rapid deployment to forward areas. This capability proved critical in operations requiring quick insertion, such as raids, where the vehicle's fording depth of up to 30 inches and approach/departure angles of 48°/38° allow navigation through water obstacles and steep inclines. In diverse environments, adaptations like snow treads extend its mobility into arctic conditions, demonstrating engineering flexibility without compromising core performance. Versatility stems from the HMMWV's modular , which supports over a dozen configurations including troop carriers for 4-8 personnel, variants with medical equipment, and platforms equipped with sensors. Weapons mounts accommodate machine guns, launchers, or TOW systems, transforming the base vehicle into an ad-hoc platform during dynamic combat scenarios. This adaptability reduces burdens by standardizing parts across roles, from cargo transport to command posts, making it a multi-role asset in conventional and . assessments highlight its role in providing agile support across theaters, where a single platform fulfills personnel, , and light strike functions that might otherwise require specialized vehicles.

Vulnerabilities and IED Exposure

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), designed in the 1980s for rapid battlefield maneuverability rather than blast resistance, exhibited significant vulnerabilities to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) due to its lightweight unarmored chassis, elevated ground clearance, and lack of underbody protection. The vehicle's thin sheet-metal body and open-frame construction provided negligible shielding against the pressure waves, fragmentation, and shaped-charge effects of roadside IEDs, allowing blasts to transmit directly into the crew compartment and cause traumatic injuries or fatalities. This exposure was exacerbated in urban and rural patrol routes in and , where insurgents buried IEDs under roads or trails, exploiting the HMMWV's routine use for and . During the from 2003 onward, IEDs emerged as the dominant threat, responsible for up to 80% of U.S. Army casualties (both deaths and injuries) as insurgents adapted commercial explosives and shells into command-detonated devices. In the period May to July 2007 alone, IED attacks resulted in 203 U.S. military deaths, comprising 66% of total fatalities, with many occurring in HMMWVs during dismounted or vehicular operations. Early-war data indicated IED strike effectiveness exceeding 50% in producing casualties, as the standard M998 HMMWV offered no meaningful defense against even modest charges equivalent to 10-20 kg of TNT. In , similar patterns persisted, with IEDs contributing to over 40% of U.S. deaths in theater by 2010, often targeting HMMWV-led convoys in IED-prone terrain like . Even after the introduction of hasty up-armor kits in 2003-2004 and factory-uparmored variants like the M1114 by 2006, HMMWVs remained susceptible to advanced IED variants, including explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) supplied via , which defeated side and top armor through projectiles. Between 2003 and 2011, EFPs alone accounted for at least 196 U.S. troop deaths in , predominantly in armored HMMWVs, highlighting persistent underbelly and directional blast weaknesses despite bolt-on steel plating that added 1,000-2,000 pounds per vehicle. These modifications, while reducing small-arms and fragmentation risks, failed against deep-buried or multi-charge IEDs, prompting tactical shifts like route clearance with mine-resistant vehicles and contributing to over 600 total IED-attributable U.S. deaths linked to external support networks. The HMMWV's inherent design trade-offs—favoring speed and off-road capability over blast deflection—thus amplified IED exposure until the phased adoption of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from 2007, which prioritized underbody survivability.

Up-Armoring Modifications and Trade-offs

Following the surge in (IED) attacks during the beginning in 2003, the U.S. military implemented rapid up-armoring modifications to High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) to mitigate vulnerabilities to blasts and projectiles. These efforts included bolt-on armor kits such as the Armor Survivability Kit (ASK), developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in 2003, which added approximately 1,000 pounds of reinforced components like armored doors and ballistic-resistant windows to provide interim protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and IEDs. Subsequent Frag Kit 5 upgrades incorporated heavier steel plating, including doors weighing around 600 pounds each, to enhance fragmentation resistance, with installations accelerating in 2004-2005 amid congressional scrutiny over armor shortages. More comprehensive Level II add-on armor kits, featuring plating and thicker glass, increased weight by 2,000 to 4,000 pounds, offering protection against fire and shrapnel but limited coverage for underbody mine threats. The A-kit provided baseline integrated armor, while the supplemental B-kit allowed for modular enhancements tailored to threat levels, enabling field adjustments without full replacement. Factory-up-armored variants like the M1114 and M1151A1 incorporated these features from production, achieving gross weights up to 10,300 pounds compared to standard models around 5,200 pounds weight. These modifications imposed significant trade-offs in operational due to the substantial increase, which strained engines, suspensions, and transmissions. Mobility declined, with up-armored HMMWVs exhibiting reduced top speeds, , and off-road agility, as the added weight elevated the center of gravity and increased sinkage in soft . Stability suffered, particularly in maneuvers, with pitch angles rising 20-25% and rollover propensity increasing 10-15% during sharp turns or downhill braking, necessitating 30-35% more braking for equivalent stopping distances on flatland. Payload capacity was curtailed to as low as 1,000 pounds in heavily armored configurations, limiting and compared to unarmored baselines. Fuel efficiency deteriorated, with up-armored variants consuming more per mile due to higher mass and drag from protrusions, exacerbating logistical demands in theater. Mitigation programs, such as the HMMWV Improvements initiative, introduced lightweight composites and suspension upgrades to partially restore and handling, reducing net weight by up to 610 pounds in some tests while maintaining protection levels, but these could not fully eliminate the inherent compromises of a light for heavy combat roles.

Variants

Core HMMWV Models (A0 to A2)

The core HMMWV models, designated A0 through A2, represent the foundational production generations of the M998 family, emphasizing lightweight, high-mobility utility for troop transport, cargo, and basic armament roles. Initial production began in 1984 at AM General's Mishawaka, Indiana facility, with the first vehicles entering U.S. military service in 1985. These early models prioritized off-road capability, with a curb weight under 5,200 pounds, a payload capacity of approximately 2,500 pounds, and independent suspension enabling 16 inches of ground clearance. The A0 series comprised the original unmodified production vehicles, retroactively labeled after subsequent upgrades. Equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 150 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of , these were paired with a three-speed TH400 transmission and a two-speed . Top speed reached about 70 mph on highways, though operational limits were often lower for reliability. Variants included the base M998 /troop carrier seating up to eight personnel and the M1038 armament carrier for machine guns. Limitations included vulnerability to overheating under heavy loads and basic survivability features without inherent armor. A1 models, introduced around 1992, incorporated incremental enhancements for improved durability and usability while retaining the 6.2-liter engine and three-speed transmission. Key changes included redesigned front seats for better , an upgraded lever, a metal hood prop replacing the earlier strap, and a revised front mount with a larger opening for easier maintenance. These modifications addressed field feedback from early deployments, reducing minor mechanical failures without altering core performance metrics like the 55-70 mph top speed or . Production streamlined to fewer variants, focusing on core utility roles. The A2 series marked a significant starting in the mid-1990s, upgrading to a 6.5-liter V8 delivering 160 horsepower (with turbocharged options up to 190 hp) to comply with EPA emissions standards. This was mated to a four-speed 4L80E , enhancing management and . Suspension upgrades supported a higher gross rating of up to 10,300 pounds, with reinforced half-shafts, differential coolers, and improved cooling systems to handle sustained operations. Top speed increased to approximately 78 mph, and reliability improved for extended missions. However, these enhancements added weight, slightly reducing agility compared to lighter A0/A1 predecessors. Core A2 variants continued the M998 lineage but paved the way for expanded capacity models.
GenerationEngineTransmissionKey ImprovementsTop Speed (approx.)
A06.2L V8 diesel, 150 hp3-speed automaticOriginal production design70 mph
A16.2L V8 diesel, 150 hp3-speed automaticErgonomic seats, winch mount, parking brake55-70 mph
A26.5L V8 diesel, 160 hp4-speed automaticEmissions compliance, reinforced suspension, cooling78 mph

Expanded Capacity and Armored Variants

The Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) chassis, introduced as the M1113 model in the early 1990s, features a reinforced frame, upgraded suspension, and a 6.5-liter turbocharged producing 190 horsepower, enabling a capacity of up to 5,100 pounds including , compared to approximately 2,500 pounds for earlier standard HMMWV variants. This design addressed operational needs for heavier loads in and command roles, with the M1097 Heavy HMMWV Variant (HHV), first prototyped around 1991, offering a 4,400-pound suitable for , troop (up to eight passengers with seat kits), or towing prime movers while maintaining a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds. Subsequent iterations like the M1097A2R remanufactured variant retain this capacity with cost efficiencies for extended service. Armored variants emerged primarily to counter ballistic and blast threats, building on the ECV platform to accommodate add-on armor without exceeding mobility limits. The M1114 Up-Armored HMMWV (UAH), fielded in the late , integrates and composite armor kits providing protection against 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds at 100 yards and certain blasts up to 12 pounds equivalent, with a reduced to around 4,000 pounds depending on configuration. This model, convertible to later standards via recapitalization, prioritized turret-equipped armament carriers for urban patrols. ECV-based armored evolutions include the , certified for Improved Armor Packages (IAP) with payloads ranging from 3,340 to 5,100 pounds based on armor levels, and the M1152 troop/cargo carrier variant accommodating up to eight passengers in armored setups while remaining air-transportable. The M1165 Expanded Capacity Command variant similarly leverages the heavier chassis for command post roles with integrated armor readiness. These variants balance enhanced protection and capacity against weight penalties, with gross vehicle weights reaching 12,100 pounds, necessitating upgrades for off-road performance retention. Deployment data from U.S. Army inventories indicate over 16,500 ECV units operational by the early , underscoring their role in adapting the HMMWV fleet to evolving threats without full platform replacement.

Specialized and International Versions

Specialized versions of the HMMWV include hybrid-electric prototypes aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and operational stealth. In 2023, AM General unveiled the HUMVEE Charge, a plug-in hybrid concept featuring a diesel-electric powertrain with three driving modes: full diesel, hybrid assist, and electric-only for silent mobility, demonstrated at the AUSA exhibition to support modernization efforts amid JLTV transitions. Similarly, Banks Power delivered a diesel-hybrid HMMWV prototype to the U.S. Army in late 2023 under a Rapid Capabilities contract, emphasizing torque improvements and reduced acoustic signature for tactical advantages. Michigan Technological University also developed a hybrid HMMWV prototype focused on battlefield enhancements like extended range, delivered for testing to improve logistics in contested environments. Arctic-adapted HMMWVs equip snow treads for extreme cold operations, enabling traversal of deep snow and ice, as utilized by U.S. forces in polar training exercises. International versions often involve adaptations or copies rather than . The Mengshi, produced by China's since the early 2000s, closely mirrors the HMMWV's four-wheel-drive design and utility roles but incorporates local diesel engines and armored options for use, outperforming the original in claimed load capacity and fuel economy per Chinese evaluations. Reverse-engineered from civilian imports in the , it spawned numerous variants including command and models, though reliant initially on some U.S. parts. Ukrainian forces have repurposed U.S.-supplied HMMWVs for conflict-specific roles, mounting R-73 air-to-air missiles for mobile anti-aircraft defense against drones and low-flying threats, with prototypes operational by early 2025 to counter aerial superiority deficits. Additional modifications include multiple-launch systems on HMMWV for precision strikes, adapting the platform's mobility for improvised support in dynamic fronts. These user-driven changes highlight the HMMWV's modular for rapid weapon integration, though they compromise original payload and stability per tactical analyses. Other nations like Greece and Poland operate standard HMMWVs with minor local fittings for NATO interoperability, such as enhanced communications, but without unique production lines.

Replacement and Modernization

JLTV Transition Challenges

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program was initiated to partially replace the up-armored variants of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), focusing on enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices and direct fire while maintaining mobility, rather than achieving a one-for-one fleet substitution. This approach left softer-skinned HMMWVs in service for less contested roles, complicating logistics and sustainment across mixed fleets. Initial operational testing in 2018, as assessed by the Department of Defense's Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), revealed the JLTV as "not operationally suitable" due to deficiencies in reliability, such as frequent flat tires, damaged wheels, engine wiring faults, and inaccurate health monitoring systems that eroded maintainer confidence. Maintainability emerged as a core transition hurdle, with units unable to perform routine repairs without contractor field support owing to the vehicle's complexity, ineffective initial training programs, and incomplete or erroneous technical manuals lacking detailed troubleshooting guidance. Early assessments indicated the JLTV imposed a higher maintenance burden than the HMMWV, requiring more frequent interventions despite design goals for reduced downtime, and mechanics needed supplemental training to address gaps in documentation. While subsequent updates—such as improved manuals, door mechanisms, and visibility aids like rear cameras—mitigated some issues by 2019, dependency on external support persisted in early fielding, and certain variants, including close-combat models, retained challenges like cumbersome TOW missile reloading and suboptimal crew situational awareness. Reliability metrics improved post-testing, with vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles in trials, yet sustainment demands remained elevated compared to mature HMMWV operations. Logistical incompatibilities further strained the transition, including the JLTV's incompatibility with existing HMMWV trailers, necessitating separate transport solutions researched into 2021, and its greater size and weight, which reduced loadouts on Maritime Prepositioned Force ships and complicated air transport requiring armor kit removal for CH-47F helicopters. The program's scale, originally envisioning over 49,000 units at costs approaching $40 billion, amplified these issues through delays from evolving requirements and vendor transitions, such as the 2023 shift to for A2 production, which introduced parts sourcing and hurdles. By 2025, the U.S. halted further JLTV acquisitions after delivering approximately 20,000 vehicles, citing excess inventory for armored formations and redirecting resources to lighter platforms like the Infantry Squad Vehicle, while the Marine Corps continued but anticipated per-unit cost increases from diminished joint orders. This partial divestment underscores ongoing fleet management challenges, with HMMWVs retained for utility roles amid shifting priorities toward Indo-Pacific mobility.

Shift to Lighter Vehicles like ISV

The U.S. Army's adoption of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), designated M1301, represents a deliberate pivot toward ultralight, high-mobility platforms for dismounted units, addressing the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)'s limitations in weight, air deployability, and tactical speed for certain operational roles. Selected in June 2020 following a effort, the ISV was awarded a $214.3 million contract to Defense for 649 units, primarily intended to equip combat teams (IBCTs) and airborne forces with a capable of transporting a nine-soldier squad at speeds exceeding 65 mph over rough terrain. Unlike the HMMWV, which typically weighs 5,600 to 7,700 pounds depending on configuration and often requires disassembly for internal helicopter transport, the ISV's curb weight of approximately 5,000 pounds and compact dimensions—17 feet in length, 6.8 feet in width, and 6.1 feet in height—enable full sling-load compatibility under UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters or internal carriage in CH-47 Chinooks, facilitating rapid insertion in contested environments. This shift prioritizes operational tempo and logistical efficiency over the HMMWV's baseline protection, reflecting doctrinal changes toward peer adversaries where dispersed, fast-moving units evade detection better than heavily armored convoys vulnerable to precision fires. The ISV's design, leveraging 90% commercial-off-the-shelf components from the ZR2 platform including a 2.8-liter Duramax producing over 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of , emphasizes affordability, maintainability, and performance in austere conditions with a capacity of 3,200 pounds and operational range exceeding 400 miles. In contrast to the HMMWV's toward up-armored variants that compromised mobility—reducing top speeds and increasing consumption—the unarmored ISV restores emphasis on and , allowing squads to keep pace with mechanized elements or conduct independent maneuvers without the HMMWV's ground pressure limitations in soft soil or snow. Follow-on contracts, such as a $44.8 million in 2025 for additional deliveries, underscore sustained investment amid broader HMMWV phase-out efforts, with the procuring ISVs to "motorize" under-equipped formations previously reliant on foot mobility or legacy trucks. This transition aligns with force structure reforms under the of 2030, integrating lighter vehicles into multi-domain operations where HMMWVs proved logistically burdensome in high-intensity scenarios. Critics, including field officers, have raised concerns that the ISV's lack of armor—relying instead on speed and dispersion for survivability—exposes troops to small-arms fire and improvised threats in , potentially repeating early HMMWV vulnerabilities observed in and . doctrine counters that in large-scale combat against equipped foes like those in or the , the ISV's ability to enable quick dismounts and evasion outweighs static protection, as evidenced by initial fielding to the and by 2022. Ongoing evaluations, including autonomous integration tests in 2025 pairing ISVs with HMMWV command posts, suggest adaptability but highlight dependency on commercial supply chains, which could strain wartime sustainment compared to the HMMWV's militarized ecosystem. Overall, the ISV exemplifies a pragmatic recalibration: retaining HMMWVs for utility roles while deploying lighter successors to restore mobility eroded by decades of adaptations.

Recent Contracts and Future Concepts (2023-2025)

In 2023, secured a multi-year recompete for HMMWV production and sustainment, valued at over $8 billion, enabling continued and upgrades amid the U.S. 's fleet modernization. By January 2024, the Army had installed the 10,000th upgrade across its HMMWV fleet, incorporating enhancements to improve reliability and reduce equipment damage during operations. These modernization efforts have processed over 4,500 vehicles since inception, with additional units queued pending funding availability. Contracts persisted into 2025, reflecting the vehicle's enduring role in expeditionary and mobility missions despite JLTV proliferation. On June 28, 2025, the U.S. Army awarded AM General a modification to produce armored M1165A1 variants, sustaining core capabilities for high-threat environments. In July 2025, a $126.5 million contract followed for additional M1165A1B3 HMMWVs, emphasizing up-armored configurations for ongoing foreign military sales and domestic needs. By September 2025, AM General received a $50.9 million modification for over 200 Humvees, including M1152A1B2 cargo/troop carriers and M1165A1B3 HMMWVs, to expand the Army's tactical wheeled vehicle fleet. AM General also announced $57 million in HMMWV-related awards for international customers including Iraq, Serbia, and Argentina, alongside U.S. National Guard components. Future concepts focus on evolutionary upgrades to extend HMMWV viability in contested environments, prioritizing enhanced and adaptability without full platform replacement. AM General's "Future Driven HUMVEE" initiative integrates battlefield-specific improvements, such as advanced mobility systems tailored for next-generation light tactical needs. Unveiled in March 2025 at AUSA Global Force, the HUMVEE 4-CT prototype features technological advancements in versatility, including the MARS (MBrace and RollTek System) for superior occupant safety through improved bracing and rollover mitigation. These developments underscore industry efforts to align the platform with emerging warfighting demands, though transformation plans announced in May 2025 have prompted scrutiny over long-term HMMWV production amid shifts toward lighter, multi-domain vehicles.

Operators

Primary Military Users

The constitute the primary operator of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), with the U.S. Army maintaining the largest fleet of approximately 120,000 units as of 2025, utilized for troop transport, , ambulance services, and weapons platforms across diverse terrains. The U.S. Marine Corps employs HMMWVs extensively in expeditionary operations, often mounting machine guns or anti-tank missiles for and patrols, as evidenced by their deployment in conflicts from the 1991 onward. The U.S. Air Force integrates the vehicle for base and logistics support at airfields, while the U.S. uses it for shore-based operations and special warfare teams, including launches from for rapid insertion. Through and excess transfers, the HMMWV has been adopted by militaries in over 60 countries, totaling more than 250,000 vehicles globally, primarily allied nations in , the , and for , border patrol, and rapid mobility roles. Key recipients include , which in July 2025 contracted for additional HMMWVs to bolster ground forces amid ongoing regional threats, building on prior acquisitions exceeding hundreds of units. Other significant operators encompass members such as the and for joint exercises and domestic defense, as well as partners like and , which have integrated thousands via U.S. aid packages since the to enhance light tactical capabilities against asymmetric threats. From 2012 to 2018, 23 countries—predominantly in the and —requested over 16,000 excess U.S. HMMWVs for security missions, underscoring the vehicle's enduring appeal despite up-armoring limitations exposed in and .

Non-State Actors and Former Operators

Non-state actors, particularly insurgent groups in the Middle East and South Asia, have acquired HMMWVs primarily through capture from state forces during conflicts, repurposing them for mobility, suicide bombings, and mounted operations due to their durability and familiarity. In June 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS) seized approximately 2,300 HMMWVs from Iraqi security forces amid the collapse of defenses in Mosul, representing a significant portion of U.S.-supplied equipment originally intended for the Iraqi military. ISIS modified these vehicles for vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attacks, deploying them in waves against Iraqi and Syrian targets, including police bases and military installations, which amplified their tactical impact in urban and open terrain. By 2015, ISIS propaganda and battlefield reports confirmed their extensive use of up-armored HMMWVs in offensives, though maintenance challenges and coalition airstrikes limited long-term operational sustainability. The in similarly captured hundreds of HMMWVs from U.S., , and Afghan National Army stocks during the 2021 withdrawal, with estimates indicating over 700 military vehicles, including HMMWVs, falling into their hands within a single month of rapid territorial gains. These vehicles appeared in parades and patrols, such as in in September 2021, where fighters mounted them with captured weaponry, and have been employed in border clashes, including against Iranian forces in 2023 using an on a U.S.-origin HMMWV. Post-2021, the integrated surviving captured HMMWVs into their security apparatus for internal patrols and ceremonial displays, though fuel dependency and lack of spare parts have constrained widespread adoption compared to lighter local vehicles. Among former operators, the U.S. military has progressively retired HMMWVs from frontline combat roles, with the Marine Corps ceasing their use for patrols "outside the wire" in Iraq and Afghanistan by around 2010 in favor of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, citing vulnerability to improvised explosive devices. The U.S. Army halted new HMMWV procurement after 2012, transitioning to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for enhanced protection and mobility, though approximately 100,000 HMMWVs remained in inventory as of 2025 for rear-echelon and training duties. Iraqi security forces, once major recipients of U.S.-donated HMMWVs, experienced massive losses to ISIS captures and subsequent degradation, reducing their operational fleet significantly by the mid-2010s without full replenishment. These transitions reflect broader doctrinal shifts toward heavier armor and lighter alternatives amid evolving threats, leaving surplus HMMWVs vulnerable to proliferation among non-state groups.

Civilian and Export Sales

AM General initiated civilian sales of HMMWV-derived vehicles in 1992 under the Hummer brand, with the H1 model serving as a commercial adaptation featuring modifications for road legality, such as updated lighting, emissions compliance, and interior refinements while retaining the core military chassis and 6.2L or 6.5L diesel engine. Production of the H1 spanned 1992 to 2006, yielding a total of 11,818 units across model years, with annual outputs ranging from 316 in 1992 to a peak of 1,433 in 1995 before tapering to 297 in 2006. In 1999, acquired the Hummer brand rights, continuing production until market demand waned amid rising fuel costs and competition from more efficient SUVs. Beyond factory H1 production, civilian access to HMMWVs expanded through demilitarized surplus vehicles auctioned via platforms like GovPlanet and IronPlanet, often requiring conversions for street legality including VIN assignment, DOT-compliant bumpers, and catalytic converters. These surplus units, primarily M998 and M1097 variants, appeal to off-road enthusiasts and collectors, with sales listings frequently exceeding $20,000 for restored examples equipped with modern upgrades like Alcantara interiors and enhanced suspensions. has periodically supported markets by offering new 1-3 series HMMWV chassis cabs, such as in 2023 runs targeted at H1 owners for rebuilds, ensuring compatibility with existing military-spec components. Export sales of HMMWVs to foreign militaries have sustained 's production, with over 100 countries operating the through direct purchases or U.S. government transfers of excess inventory. In 2017, AM General reported new orders from nine nations—, , , , , , , , and —bolstering foreign sales amid U.S. military drawdowns. From 2012 to 2018, 23 countries requested 16,005 surplus HMMWVs via the U.S. , though transfers faced delays due to demilitarization and export control requirements under . These exports typically involve up-armored variants like the for counter-insurgency roles, with recipients including allies and Middle Eastern partners valuing the HMMWV's proven mobility in rugged terrains over domestic alternatives.

Replicas and Similar Vehicles

Civilian Replicas and Kits

introduced the Humvee C-Series kit in 2012 as a civilian-oriented assembly option, priced starting at $59,995, comprising an aircraft aluminum riveted body, full , interior trim, and suspension components, though excluding powertrain elements like the and transmission which buyers must supply. This kit enabled individuals to construct a compliant with U.S. federal regulations, leveraging designs derived from military HMMWV specifications but adapted for non-military use, following the cessation of production in 2006. Third-party manufacturers have offered and body components mimicking Humvee for assembly on custom or surplus . The HummBug , available since at least 2001, provides a body, hood, windshield frame, and subchassis for approximately $3,950 base price, allowing builders to replicate the Humvee's boxy profile on non-original frames. Urban Gorilla supplies or body packages, including -style door with integrated frames for surplus HMMWVs, priced variably and marketed for rebodying or projects without affiliation to . Companies such as Plan B Trucks produce aftermarket kits like cab enclosures and tops for recommissioning ex-military Humvees into , often incorporating modern upgrades for , though these emphasize conversion over pure replication. These options cater to enthusiasts seeking Humvee-like utility for off-road or urban applications, but availability of official kits has been limited post-2013 announcements, with most builds relying on surplus acquisitions or independent fabrications.

Comparable Military Vehicles

Comparable military vehicles to the HMMWV include light 4x4 tactical utility platforms developed by other nations for troop transport, , command, and in rugged terrains. These vehicles share the HMMWV's emphasis on high mobility, payload capacity around 1-1.5 tons, and adaptability to various configurations, though they differ in armor levels, engines, and operational doctrines. The Russian GAZ-2975 , introduced in the early , serves as a direct analog in the , originally designed to meet requirements for a more armored Humvee equivalent. It prioritizes speed and agility, often exceeding Western counterparts in off-road performance, with a GAZ-562 2.4-liter turbocharged producing approximately 150 horsepower and a top speed over 120 km/h. The Tigr's chassis and enable it to carry up to 1,000 kg payload while mounting weapons like machine guns or anti-tank missiles. Over 1,500 units were in service by , though production faced delays due to reliability issues. China's , known as Mengshi, entered production in 2007 as a 1.5-ton multipurpose carrier, featuring a 4BTA 3.9-liter turbo-diesel engine delivering 103 kW (138 hp) paired with a 5-speed and 2-speed . Measuring 4.97 m long, 2.13 m wide, and 1.96 m high with a curb weight of 3,250 kg, it achieves a top speed of 130 km/h and a range exceeding 600 km, suitable for rear-echelon operations where direct combat is unlikely. The vehicle's portal axles and enhance cross-country capability, and variants include armed reconnaissance models; thousands have been produced for the . The Spanish , developed in the and entering service in , mirrors the HMMWV's layout with a four-door body and sloped cargo area, built to standards for high-mobility tactical roles. Powered by engines up to 160 hp ( or diesel options), it offers payload capacities of 1-1.5 tons, top speeds around 130 km/h, and modular armor kits for STANAG Level 1 protection. Exported to over 20 countries including and , the VAMTAC has demonstrated superior reliability in trials against the HMMWV, with more than 4,500 units delivered by 2016. The Italian (Lince), operational since 2004, provides a more heavily armored alternative with design for mine resistance, weighing about 7 tons in protected variants but retaining light utility functions via a 3.2-liter yielding 180 hp and speeds up to 130 km/h. Adopted by British, Croatian, and other forces, it emphasizes survivability over the HMMWV's baseline mobility, with over 3,000 produced.

References

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