US firm AM General is overhauling its four-decade-old Humvee with a mix of new hardware and digital capabilities to bring the iconic military vehicle into the modern era.
The upgrade is divided into three main phases, starting with a more powerful 250-horsepower engine, an improved transmission, and long-travel suspension.
The engine delivers more than 745 newton-meters (550 pound-feet) of torque and can run on JP-8 jet fuel, F-24, and conventional diesel.
The second phase focuses on ergonomics and comfort, adding a modernized dashboard and scalable armor to the platform.
The final phase brings the most significant technology upgrades, including drive-by-wire controls, health monitoring, and autonomy-enabled capabilities.
“Proven platform. Next-generation capability. The next-generation HUMVEE platform from AM General is designed to meet the evolving demands of the modern battlefield,” the company stated.
Humvee in Focus
Also known as the M1151 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), the Humvee is a 4×4 tactical wheeled vehicle designed to transport personnel, weapons, and equipment.
Measuring 15 feet (4.6 meters) long, 7 feet (2.1 meters) wide, and 6 feet (1.8 meters) high, the vehicle can be fitted with machine guns and anti-tank missile launchers.
It comes with armor built to protect crew members from small arms fire, artillery fragments, and improvised explosive devices.
This protection is further reinforced by bullet-resistant glass, reinforced doors, and armored floors, helping improve crew survivability in combat environments.
AM General began building Humvees in 1983 under a US Army contract for 55,000 vehicles, with the platform entering service in 1989.
