Current Military Vehicle: AM General's HMMWV A.K.A., "Humvee"

This is the jack of all trades military vehicle that has roots dating back to the late ‘70’s. The concept for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) came about through the need for a more mobile military vehicle that had good payload capabilities was agile and safe. In 1979, the Army officially signed a draft for a new tactical vehicle.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department Of Defense and AM General

AM General was officially awarded the contract in 1983 and started delivering vehicles in ’85. The initial production order was for 2,334 units with an estimated 55,000 units over the next 5 years. By the ’91, AM General had built more than 72,000 units and more order were still coming in. By the time all was said and done (contract ended in 2009) they had built 281,000 units. The precidessor of the Humvee will be the JLTV or Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

Today, more than 70 nations have one version or another of the Humvee. It has truly become a global platform for military operations and can be considered a huge success. Unfortunately, due to war continually evolving, the Humvee has hit its limits and is no longer able to offer the protection, capability and mobility needed to fight on the front lines of today’s battle fields. When the vehicles are up armored to provide the protection levels necessary, the mobility and capability of the vehicle is severely hindered. This platform just can no longer evolve to protect and serve our troops on the front lines which are a major reason the contract ended in 2009. Considering the initial lifespan estimates of 10 to 20 years made back in ’83, more than 30 years ago, it is not great surprise that this platform can no longer support current needs.

There have been 7 primary configurations of the Humvees that have been sold.

M1097A2

Engine: GEP (General Engine Products) 6500 Naturally Aspirated V8
Horsepower: 160 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 290 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 2.73:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: 10,300 lb.
Width: 86 in.
Ground Clearance: 17 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

M1151, M1151A1, and M1151 w/B1

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: M1151 13,450 lb., M1151A1: 13,450 lb., M1151A1 W/B1 13,450 lb.
Width: 91 in.
Ground Clearance: 17.2 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

M1152, M1152A1, and M1152 w/B2

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: M1152 11,500 lb., M1152A1: 12,100 lb., M1152A1 W/B2 12,100 lb.
Width: 87 in.
Ground Clearance: 18 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

M1165, M1165A1, and M1165 w/B3

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: M1165 11,500 lb., M1165A1: 12,100 lb., M1165A1 W/B3 12,100 lb.
Width: 87 in.
Ground Clearance: 18.2 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

M1167

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: 13,100 lb.
Width: 91 in.
Ground Clearance: 15.8 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

M1165 Special Ops, M1165A1 Special Ops, and M1165 w/B3 Special Ops

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: M1165 11,500 lb., M1165A1: 12,100 lb., M1165A1 W/B3 12,100 lb.
Width: 87 in.
Ground Clearance: 18.2 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit

Cobra

Engine: GEP 6.5L Turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 190 hp at 3,400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft at 1700 RPM
Transmission: 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled
Transfer case: low 2.72:1, High 1:1
Axles: Hypoid Ratio 3.08:1
Geared Hubs: 1.92:1
Suspension: Independent double A-frame open end coil springs and hydraulic shocks
GVW: 11,440lb.
Width: 91 in.
Wheelbase: 130 in.
Track Width: 71.6 in.
Maximum Speed: 70 mph
Run Flat Capability: 30 miles at 30 mph
Deep Water Fording: 30 in., 60 in. with forging kit