The HMMWV, an acronym for High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle, is a diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive tactical vehicle that is maneuverable, lightweight, and highly mobile. Its chassis is designed to accommodate a diverse array of military equipment, including wire command-guided (TOW) anti-tank mιssιle launchers and tube-launched anti-tank mιssιle launchers. It must operate for extended periods of time in a variety of environments, from forests to deserts, with minimal upkeep. It must safely transport its passengers and cargo while evading wаr instruments such as explоsives, mines, and bullets.
A total of fifteen configurations—including cargo/troop carriers, weapons carriers, ambulances, and shelter carriers—are supported by a unified chassis, engine, and transmission. Additionally, forty-four interchangeable parts are utilized in multiple positions. This reduces the number of training hours required for the mechanics responsible for its maintenance. Its streamlined logistics, supply, and maintenance system—consisting of a single set of common components for fifteen configurations—results in reduced life-cycle expenses, thereby conserving tax dollars.
HMMWVs are dependable, survivable, and maintainable. They satisfy each of these criteria while also integrating novel benchmarks for combat vehicle dependability. They achieve high scores on specifications and requirements for Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Durability (RAM-D). Initial production trials demonstrated that the new vehicle was nearly twice as durable as the Army specified.
The ability to traverse rough terrain is an essential requirement for enhanced mobility. It is a feat of engineering that the HMMWV has a ground clearance of 16 inches, given that it stands only 72 inches tall. The HMMWV is an exceptional off-road vehicle due to its high ground clearance and independent suspension, precipitous approach and departure angles, 60 percent slope-climbing, 40 percent side slope, and 60-inch water-fording capabilities.
With a burden of 2,500 pounds and a gross vehicle weight of 7,700 pounds, the M998 A0 series is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 diesel engine mated with a three-speed automatic transmission. The present analogous model, the M1097A2, is 700 pounds lighter but has a nearly twofold increase in payload capacity at 4,400 pounds (GVW: 10,300 pounds). A 6.5-liter V-8 diesel engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The payload capacity of the Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) model M1113 in current production is 5,100 pounds. That is nearly 2,400 pounds, or more than 2 tons, of the M1113’s own weight. A turbocharged 6.5-liter V-8 diesel powers the M1113. The M1114 up-armored variant is manufactured by AM General, with O’Gara Hess and Eisenhart installing the armor package.
HMMWVs, which are droppable and air transportable, are a focal point of the Army’s efforts to modernize its vehicle force. Additionally, they can be sling-loaded by helicopters. It is possible to convey three HMMWVs in a C-130 Hercules and fifteen in a C-5A Galaxy. The HMMWV can be delivered through the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System while in cоnflict, eliminating the need for the aircraft to make a landing.
The HMMWV is 15 feet in length, has a low profile of six feet, and a wide stance of seven feet. These proportions combine to produce a road-hugging, stable truck that is exceedingly challenging to turn over. In contrast to their predecessors, the M151 Jeeps, which were regarded as unstable.
A steel structure with boxed frame rails and five cross members made of high-grade alloy steel comprise the HMMWV. E-coating is applied subsequent to the assembly of the substructure in order to supplement its corrosion protection.
The aluminum body offers corrosion resistance and a reduction in weight. For increased strength, aluminum body panels are riveted and bonded together with technologically advanced adhesives. Flexibility is incorporated into the body to accommodate off-road stresses.
The geared hub assembly in the power train, which was devised by AM General, increases the torque to each wheel by twofold at the hub. Additionally, this contributes to the vehicle’s 16-inch ground clearance, which is significantly greater than any other vehicle in its class. Hydraulic double-acting shоck absorbers, coil springs, and a front and rear double A-arm independent suspension provide the HMMWV with unparalleled mobility. Protecting the four-wheel disc brakes from debris and impact, they are affixed inboard against the sides of the differentials, which are both situated above the frame rails. Differentials that bias torque permit a vehicle to maintain forward motion so long as at least one wheel maintains traction.
By utilizing a distinctive arrangement of components in conjunction with military 37 x 12.5 radial tires featuring low-profile runflat devices, the HMMWV is capable of traversing areas inaccessible to any other wheeled vehicle in U.S. or foreign military service. Central tire inflation systems are available as an option on certain HMMWVs. For increased off-road mobility, this feature enables the operator to adjust tire pressure “on the move” from the driver’s seat in response to shifting terrain conditions.
The 6.5-liter Optimizer 6500 diesel engine found in the M1097A2 series was manufactured by General Engine Products, a subsidiary of AM General. It is paired with a full-time four-wheel drive transfer case and a four-speed automatic transmission to furnish the HMMWV with outstanding performance. (Specifications listed) The vehicle is capable of exceeding 70 miles per hour.
A 25-gallon fuel tank and a 12/24-volt electrical system are features of the vehicle. Power steering and power-assisted hydraulic disc brakes are included.
Depending on the model, the vehicle is equipped with either 1 + 1 or 2 + 2 seating on each side of the elevated powertrain, which permits the differentials to be raised. In conjunction with the geared axles, this features enhances the ground clearance. Additionally, the crew’s placement on either side of the powertrain contributes to the vehicle’s low center of gravity.
Due to its modular construction, the HMMWV is readily reconfigurable for a variety of applications.