HMMWV

   Currently the HMMWV or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle is the most widely used military light utility vehicle in the world. The HMMWV was designed by the AM General. It replaced the M151 series jeeps and some other US military vehicles and become the vehicular backbone of the US Forces. Over 160 000 of these light utility vehicles were built. The HMMWV is in service with more than 50 countries. Its production still continues.

   The M998 is a baseline vehicle of the HMMWV family. It was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport. Its production commenced in 1981. Initial batch of these utility vehicles was delivered to the US Army in 1983.

   The M998 is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6.2-liter diesel engine, developing 130 hp. Engine is mated with an automatic transmission. The HMMWV vehicles are designed for use over all types of roads. All wheel drive, high power-to-weight ratio combining with high ground clearance give it good cross-country mobility. A wide track was designed to drive in tracks left by the main battle tanks. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which is adjusted from the driver's station to suit various terrain conditions. A self-recovery winch is fitted on some models. The HMMWV, fitted with a deep-water fording kit, can ford water obstacles up to 1.5 m deep. Vehicle is air transportable and droppable from a variety of military transport aircraft. It can be carried underslung by some helicopters.

   In 1996 production of the M1114, an improved and armored variant, commenced. It provides protection against small arms fire and landmines. This variant is fitted with a larger and more powerful engine.

   There are over 20 variants of the HMMWV in service with the United States. These include troop/cargo carriers, ambulances, armament carriers, TOW missile carriers, shelters, prime movers and so on. Some of the variants are armored. Due to its popularity the HMMWV was excessively copied. Other manufacturers produce this light utility vehicle under license. Also there are a number of international variants.

   A civilian version of the HMMWV is the Hummer H1. Its production began in the early 1990s.