The military Humvee was conceived in the 1970s as a roomier, more powerful replacement for World War II Jeeps. The funny-looking trucks conquered mud, rocks, sand and snow, and hauled equipment to front line soldiers.
Known officially as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles or HMMWV, the vehicles debuted in the 1989 invasion of Panama and in the Gulf War in the 1990s. They were recently replaced in frontline military service by the more-armored MRAP. Click the Military Humvee For Sale to learn more.
Since its inception, the Humvee has conquered foreign battlefields and suburban soccer fields. It seemed like nothing could stop the big bruiser, but now it faces a new challenge: the threat of IEDs and other high-tech attacks.
In 1979, the military drafted specifications for an all-new vehicle to replace their aging Jeeps. Three contenders, AM General, Chrysler Defense, and Teledyne Continental were awarded contracts to create prototypes of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle — or Humvee for short. After extensive testing over rocky hills, deep sand, 60in-deep water, and arctic snow, the Army picked AM General to build more of the new tactical vehicles.
The Humvee proved to be a game-changer, and the military quickly expanded its use. Heavily armored versions were designed for front-line combat, while lighter models were used as troop transports and ambulances. Even terrorist organizations like the Taliban and ISIS have been known to use stolen Humvees in their attacks.
With its ruggedness and iconic design, the Humvee has impacted warfare, pop culture, and automotive history. It’s appeared in movies and video games, spawned an entire line of civilian vehicles, and become a symbol of American military might. Today, the Humvee is still used by militaries worldwide, often with modifications to suit local needs.
Despite its success in foreign conflicts, the Humvee has seen its share of criticism in recent years. After the Iraq War, soldiers began complaining about the lack of protection against IEDs and other roadside bombs. Some even went so far as to remove their doors and armour, making the vehicles lighter and more maneuverable. While the Humvee continues to face threats, it is slated to remain in service until 2050.
As more and more militaries move to replace their old Humvees with the more advanced Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the remaining vehicles have found homes with private owners. Online heavy-equipment auction site IronPlanet has been a key player in the market for Humvees made obsolete by JLTV. These ex-military vehicles are not only a good value, but they can also be quite affordable for those interested in owning a piece of military history.
The Basics
The Humvee, also known as the HMMWV or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, is an American military 4×4 that has proved to be a formidable weapon against enemies in every corner of the world. This vehicle has spawned many variants, from the basic M998 model used as a troop transport and utility vehicle to the more armed M1025 and M1026 models that are used by recon units.
The Humvee was first introduced in the early 1980s, and it quickly became the face of US military power projection. Its rugged construction and all-terrain capabilities made it a natural choice for missions that required more than what a standard pickup truck or SUV could handle.
As time went by, more and more features were added to the vehicles, making them more heavily armoured and capable of handling frontline combat situations. However, the HMMWV still had some limitations in these scenarios, which eventually led to the introduction of more powerful MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles designed to withstand Improvised Explosive Device attacks and ambushes.
Today, the Humvee continues to be a vital part of the US military arsenal, although it has been usurped by the JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle). This vehicle is better equipped to handle modern warfare, but it doesn’t mean that the Humvee is going away completely. In fact, the Army is planning on keeping a fleet of Humvees on hand for use in future conflicts.
The newest variant of the Humvee is the HUMVEE Charge hybrid electric light tactical vehicle, which uses Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology to combine the best of both worlds. The HUMVEE Charge offers all the same benefits of an ordinary HMMWV but with enhanced performance and increased operational stealth.
The HUMVEE Charge also has a range of innovative safety and security features, including an all-new active braking system that uses a series of sensors to detect objects in the road and react accordingly. There’s also a new air suspension that allows the vehicle to raise and lower to better navigate rough terrain. And of course, the HUMVEE Charge is lighter and more fuel efficient than an ordinary HMMWV.
The Options
The military Humvee is a versatile vehicle that can be used for a variety of tasks. It can be upfitted to accommodate armor or used in an airdropped capacity to go into hostile territory. The vehicles are made of aluminum, which helps to keep them lightweight so they can be transported by C17 airplanes. In addition, they can be equipped with an AC unit that will help to keep the vehicle cool inside when it is in a hot environment.
The Humvee is an extremely effective military vehicle. It can carry a variety of weapons, including machine guns and grenade launchers. It can also be fitted with the TOW antitank missile, normally air-launched from helicopter gunships, to give it a deadly punch against enemy tanks. Its turret-like structure and pop-up gun also provide crew protection during combat.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Humvee is still vulnerable to attack. Insurgents are becoming increasingly sophisticated and have developed mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles to take out larger vehicles. This means that the Marine Corps needs a new vehicle to replace its aging Humvees and provide enough firepower for offensive missions.
With the JLTV programme in full swing, the military is starting to replace its Humvees with a truck that has better off-road capabilities and offers more protection against IEDs. It will be a little heavier than the Humvee, but it will have a more rugged hull and 400-horsepower engine.
Aside from the JLTV, the Army has several other options to replace its old vehicles. But with budget pressures affecting multiple acquisition programmes, it might be some time before the Humvee is completely replaced by something else.
In the meantime, some of the military’s older Humvees have been honorably discharged and sold for private ownership. Until recently, this process was difficult and involved lengthy delays. But last summer, online heavy-equipment auction site IronPlanet began offering Standard Form 97, which is the official government document that allows buyers to obtain their vehicle’s title from the DMV.
The Humvee is a versatile vehicle that has served the military well for decades. Whether it will survive the next big fight depends on Congress and how much money it allocates for the Pentagon’s vehicle fleet.
The Cost
The Humvee is a military vehicle that’s designed for combat. Its nickname stems from the full name of the vehicle: “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.” Military Humvees can be incredibly expensive, especially if they’re in excellent condition. But they also have a lot of benefits that make them worth the price.
Whether you’re looking for a new vehicle or just want to add an awesome truck to your collection, the military Humvee is an incredible choice. It’s designed to do the job with serious power, and it has the capability to take on any terrain. These vehicles are designed to keep you safe, and they’re often equipped with a wide variety of features that can help protect you from enemy fire or roadside bombs.
The cost of a military Humvee can vary depending on its age and condition. You can find these vehicles for sale from private sellers and auctions, but they tend to be more expensive than their civilian counterparts. Buying from a private seller is typically more convenient and can save you money on shipping. You should expect to pay at least $20,000 for a military Humvee that’s in great condition.
In addition to the price of the Humvee itself, you’ll need to factor in other costs associated with owning one. You’ll need to spend money on fuel, oil changes, and maintenance. Fuel costs can be particularly high since Humvees don’t get very good gas mileage. Additionally, you’ll likely need to rent or buy storage space for your vehicle, which can be a significant expense.
Many people are interested in purchasing a Humvee because of its history and unique look. But before you can actually drive one on the street, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops. In order to make a Humvee street legal, you’ll need to modify it to comply with local laws and regulations regarding lighting, safety features, and emissions.
Fortunately, there are companies that specialize in making military Humvees street legal. However, this process is usually quite costly and can take a long time. It’s best to consider your options carefully before jumping in headfirst.