Editing Humvee (section)

==History==
{{More citations needed|section|date=April 2020}}
Since the [[World War II]] [[Willys MB]] reconnaissance truck was used for mass-deployment and became known as the "jeep", the United States military had continued to rely heavily on jeeps as general utility vehicles and as a mass-transport for soldiers in small groups. Although the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] had let [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] redesign the jeep from the ground up during the 1950s, and the resulting [[M151 ¼-ton 4×4 utility truck|M151 jeep]] incorporated significant innovations, it firmly adhered to the original concept: a very compact, light enough to manhandle, low profile vehicle, with a folding windshield, that a layman could barely distinguish from the preceding [[Willys MB|Willys jeeps]]. The jeeps were shorter than a [[Volkswagen Beetle]] and weighed just over one metric ton, seating three to four, with an {{convert|800|lb|kg|abbr=on}} payload. During and after the war, the very light, {{frac|1|4}}-ton jeeps were complemented by the {{frac|3|4}}-ton [[Dodge WC series|Dodge WC]] and Korean War [[Dodge M37]] models.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

By the mid-1960s, the U.S. military felt a need to reevaluate their aging light vehicle fleet.<ref name=WHNhumV>{{cite web |url= http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/military-history/the-u-s-armys-humvee/ |title=The U.S. Army's Humvee |last=Mroz |first=Albert |date=16 June 2016 |website= Warfare History Network |publisher=Sovereign Media |access-date=2018-06-18 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203631/http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/military-history/the-u-s-armys-humvee/ |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> From the mid-1960s, the U.S. Army had tried to modernize, through replacing the larger, purpose-built [[Dodge M37]]s by militarized, "commercial off the shelf" (COTS) 4×4 trucks — initially the [[Kaiser Jeep M715|M715 Jeep trucks]], succeeded in the later 1970s by several [[Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle|"CUCV" adapted commercial pickup]] series, but these did not satisfy newer requirements either. What was wanted was a truly versatile light military truck, that could replace multiple outdated vehicles. When becoming aware of the U.S. Army's desire for a versatile new light weapons carrier/reconnaissance vehicle, as early as 1969 [[FMC Corporation#FMC|FMC Corporation]] started development on their [[FMC XR311|XR311 prototype]] and offered it for testing in 1970.<ref name=WHNhumV /> At least a dozen of these were built for testing under the ''High Mobility Combat Vehicle'', or HMCV program, initially much more as an enhanced capability successor to the M151 jeep, than as a general-purpose vehicle.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

[[File:Humvee wnetrze.jpg|thumb|left|Humvee interior]]
The HMMWV program had its origins in the Combat Support Vehicle (CSV) program.{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}} The XM966 CSV was a proposed platform for the TOW missile launcher.{{sfn|Foss|1979|p=265}} Congress ended the program in 1977 due to the relatively small requirement of 3,800 vehicles. Adjusting to Congress's expectations, the Army increased the scale of the program, then called the XM966 High Mobility Weapons Carrier (CSVP), to replace multiple other trucks.{{sfn|Foss|1981|p=266}} Congress, interested in a larger joint services truck program, removed the CSVP from the 1979 budget. The Army restructured the program, which was then called '''High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle'''.{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}}

In 1979, the U.S. Army released draft specifications for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which was to replace all U.S. Army tactical vehicles in the 1/4-ton to 5/4-ton range,{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}}<ref>[http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles/hmmwv/background.php HMMWV Background] amgeneral.com. Retrieved on 2015-01-27 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118121050/http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles/hmmwv/background.php |date=18 January 2016}}</ref> As well as select vehicles in the [[U.S. Marine Corps]] and [[U.S. Air Force]].{{sfn|Foss|1983|p=440}} Namely these were the M151 quarter-ton jeeps, [[Gama Goat|M561 Gama Goats]], and the CUCVs, as one uniform "jack-of-all-trades" light tactical vehicle series, to better perform the roles of the impractically mixed fleet of outdated existing vehicles.<ref name="army-tech30sep14">{{cite web |first1=Grant |last1=Turnbull |url=http://www.army-technology.com/features/featureend-of-an-icon-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-humvee-4381884/ |title=End of an icon: the rise and fall of the Humvee |website=army-technology.com |date=2014-09-30 |access-date=2015-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030021334/http://www.army-technology.com/features/featureend-of-an-icon-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-humvee-4381884/ |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} The specifications called for a diesel engine,{{sfn|Foss|1981|p=660}} excellent on and [[Off-roading|off-road]] performance, the ability to carry a large payload, and improved survivability against indirect fire.<ref name="telegraph14march14">Pat Ware [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/10696138/The-changing-role-of-the-Humvee.html The changing role of the Humvee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122125334/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/10696138/The-changing-role-of-the-Humvee.html |date=22 January 2018}}. ''Telegraph'', 2014-03-14. Retrieved 2015-01-27</ref> Compared to the jeep, it was larger and had a much wider track, with a {{convert|16|in|mm|abbr=on}} ground clearance, double that of most [[Sport utility vehicle|sport-utility vehicles]]. The new truck was to climb a 60 percent incline and traverse a 40 percent slope and ford {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/marketplace|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227091909/http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435127|url-status=dead|title=Used cars and new cars for sale – Microsoft Start Autos|archive-date=27 February 2014|website=MSN}}</ref> and electronics waterproofed to drive through {{convert|2.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water were specified. The radiator was to be mounted high, sloping over the engine on a forward-hinged hood.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

Out of 61 companies that showed interest in the contract, five companies submitted proposals before the deadline in April 1981.{{sfn|Foss|1983|p=440}} In July 1981, the Army awarded contracts to three companies—[[AM General]], [[Chrysler#Chrysler Defense|Chrysler Corporation]], and [[Teledyne Continental]]—to build eleven HMMWV prototypes each.{{sfn|Foss|1983|p=440}} The vehicles (six weapon carriers and five utility vehicles) were delivered by May 1982.{{sfn|Foss|1984|p=449}}

The Teledyne HMMWV was based on the rear-engined XR311 Cheetah. Chrysler's HMMWV was based on the Expanded Mobility Truck. Chrysler Defense was sold mid-competition to [[General Dynamics Land Systems]]. The AM General HMMWV was developed as a private venture to meet the HMMWV requirement. The first prototype (a weapons carrier variant) was completed in August 1980 and sent to the Nevada Automotive Test Center for testing.{{sfn|Foss|1984|p=449}} AM General nicknamed the prototypes it delivered for the Army competition "Hummer," which AM General had the foresight to trademark.{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}}

The vehicles underwent testing at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]], Maryland and [[Yuma, Arizona]].{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}} The vehicles were subjected to over 600,000 miles in trials which included off-road courses in desert and arctic conditions.{{cn|date=April 2024}} On March 22, 1983, AM General was awarded the contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-origins-of-the-hummer|title=The origins of the Hummer|website=HISTORY.com|date=November 13, 2009|access-date=November 13, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/today-in-military-history-origins-of-the-humvee/|title=Today in military history: Origins of the Humvee|website=We Are The Mighty|date=March 19, 2023|access-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref> The vehicle's durability and light weight were factors that led to its selection.{{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=HMMWV Origins}} AM General was awarded an initial contract for 2,334 vehicles, the first batch of a five-year contract that would see 55,000 vehicles delivered to the U.S. military, including 39,000 vehicles for the Army.{{sfn|Foss|1984|p=449}} 72,000 vehicles had been delivered to the U.S. and foreign customers by the Persian Gulf War of 1991, and 100,000 had been delivered by the Humvee's 10th anniversary in 1995.<ref name="army-tech30sep14" /> [[Fort Lewis (Washington)|Ft. Lewis]], Washington, and the 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry, [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]] was the testing unit to employ HMMWV in the new concept of a motorized division. [[Yakima Training Center]], Washington, was the main testing grounds for HMMWVs from 1985 through December 1991, when the motorized concept was abandoned and the division inactivated.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

In June 1983, a Pentagon report noted the vehicle's "very low" reliability, averaging 370 miles between failures.<ref>{{cite news |title=Army's Replacement for Jeep Failing Pentagon Battle Tests |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/05/us/army-s-replacement-for-jeep-failing-pentagon-battle-tests.html?searchResultPosition=27 |access-date=20 April 2024 |work=The New York Times |agency=Reuters |date=5 June 1983 |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420230724/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/05/us/army-s-replacement-for-jeep-failing-pentagon-battle-tests.html?searchResultPosition=27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 1989, AM General was awarded a $1 billion contract from the Army to produce 33,000 HMMWVs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Company News; AM General Vehicle Contract |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/23/business/company-news-am-general-awarded-army-vehicle-contract.html?searchResultPosition=38 |access-date=20 April 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=23 August 1989 |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420230723/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/23/business/company-news-am-general-awarded-army-vehicle-contract.html?searchResultPosition=38 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Use in combat===
HMMWVs first saw combat in [[United States invasion of Panama|Operation Just Cause]], the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. The HMMWV was designed primarily for personnel and light cargo transport behind front lines, not as a frontline fighting vehicle. Like the previous jeep, the basic first-generation HMMWV has no armor (though armament carriers and hard-shell ambulances did have modest ballistic protection){{sfn|Zaloga|2006|loc=First-Generation HMMWV}} or protection against [[Weapon of mass destruction|chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats]]. Nevertheless, losses were relatively low in [[conventional warfare|conventional operations]], such as the [[Gulf War]]. Vehicles and crews suffered considerable damage and losses during the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]] in 1993 because of the nature of urban engagement. However, the chassis survivability allowed the majority of those crews to return to safety, though the HMMWV was never designed to offer protection against intense small arms fire, much less [[machine gun]]s and [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s. With the rise of [[asymmetric warfare]] and [[low-intensity conflict]]s, the HMMWV was pressed into service in urban combat roles for which it was not originally intended.<ref>[http://www.museum-mm.org/high-mobility-multipurpose-wheeled-vehicle-hmmwv/ HMMWV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306035417/http://www.museum-mm.org/high-mobility-multipurpose-wheeled-vehicle-hmmwv/ |date=6 March 2017}} museum-mm.org</ref>

After [[Unified Task Force|Operation Restore Hope]] in Somalia, the military recognized a need for a more protected HMMWV. AM General developed the M1114, an armored HMMWV to withstand small arms fire. The M1114 has been in production since 1996, seeing limited use in the [[Balkans]] before deployment to the [[Middle East]]. This design is superior to the M998 with a larger, more powerful [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] engine, [[air conditioning]], and a strengthened [[Car suspension|suspension]] system. More importantly, it boasts a fully [[Vehicle armour|armored]] passenger area protected by hardened steel and [[Bulletproof glass|bullet-resistant glass]]. With the increase in direct attacks and asymmetric warfare in [[Iraq War|Iraq]], AM General diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

Humvees were sent into [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2014)|Afghanistan]] following the [[September 11 attacks]], where they proved invaluable during initial operations. In the early years before [[Improvised explosive device|IEDs]] became prevalent, the vehicle was liked by troops for its ability to access rough, mountainous terrain. Some soldiers would remove features from Humvees, including what little armor it had and sometimes even entire doors, to make them lighter and more maneuverable for off-road conditions and to increase visibility. With the onset of the Iraq War, Humvees proved very vulnerable to IEDs; in the first four months of 2006, 67 U.S. troops died in Humvees. To increase protection, the U.S. military hastily added armor kits to the vehicles. Although this somewhat improved survivability, bolting on armor made the Humvee an "ungainly beast", increasing weight and putting a strain on the chassis, which led to unreliability. Armored doors that weighed hundreds of pounds were difficult for troops to open, and the newly armored turret made Humvees top-heavy and increased the danger of [[Vehicle rollover|rollovers]]. The [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] decided to start replacing Humvees in combat with Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected ([[MRAP]]) vehicles in 2007, and the U.S. Army stated that the vehicle was "no longer feasible for combat" in 2012.<ref name="army-tech30sep14" /><ref name="telegraph14march14" /> However, Humvees have also been used by [[Taliban]] insurgents for [[car bomb|suicide bombings]] against the [[Afghan National Security Forces]] in the country.<ref name="wp">{{Cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/official-suicide-bomber-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills-5/2020/05/18/a7a9d542-98c1-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html |title=Taliban suicide bomber kills 9 troops in eastern Afghanistan |date=May 18, 2020 |via= washingtonpost.com/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523172225/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/official-suicide-bomber-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills-5/2020/05/18/a7a9d542-98c1-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/18/c_139066055.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520104753/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/18/c_139066055.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 May 2020 |title=At least 7 killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan's Ghazni|date=May 18, 2020 |via= xinhuanet.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/18/world/asia/ap-as-afghanistan.html |title=Official: Suicide Bomber in Eastern Afghanistan Kills 5 |date=May 18, 2020 |via= nytimes.com}}</ref>

The HMMWV has become the vehicular backbone of U.S. forces around the world. Over 10,000 HMMWVs were employed by coalition forces during the Iraq War.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Warner |first1=Fara |author-link=Fara Warner |title=Army Stepping Up Its Humvee Orders For Troops in Iraq |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/25/business/army-stepping-up-its-humvee-orders-for-troops-in-iraq.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=18 January 2019 |date=25 December 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121643/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/25/business/army-stepping-up-its-humvee-orders-for-troops-in-iraq.html |archive-date=19 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Humvee has been described as a vehicle with "the right capability for its era": designed to provide payload mobility in protected (safe) areas. However, deploying the vehicle to conflict zones where it was exposed to a full spectrum of threat which it was neither designed to operate, or be survivable in, led to adding protection at the cost of mobility and payload.<ref name="army-tech30sep14" />

On 22 April 2022, [[United States Department of Defense|Pentagon]] [[Press Secretary]] John F. Kirby described a package of military equipment being transported to [[Ukraine]] to assist in its war with Russia, including "100 armored Humvee vehicles".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2998981/howitzers-helicopters-humvees-headed-to-ukraine/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2998981/howitzers-helicopters-humvees-headed-to-ukraine/|title=Howitzers, Helicopters, Humvees Headed to Ukraine|website=U.S. Department of Defense}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> An additional 50 were promised on 19 August 2022, and were delivered at an unknown date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3134457/775-million-in-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/ |title=$775 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine |access-date=28 September 2022 |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821115628/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3134457/775-million-in-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A number of Humvees were used in the assault on the Russian [[oblast]] of [[Belgorod Oblast|Belgorod]] on 22 May 2023.<ref name="auto" /> Ukraine first received Humvees from the U.S. in 2001, and they were used by them in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo that same year.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a43993683/raid-in-russia-belgorod-leaves-behind-american-humvees-mraps/|title=A Raid in Russia's Belgorod Left Behind a Trail of American Humvees|date=25 May 2023|website=Popular Mechanics|access-date=23 June 2023|archive-date=23 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623190349/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a43993683/raid-in-russia-belgorod-leaves-behind-american-humvees-mraps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Modifications===
[[File:Marine humvee with bolt-on armor x2.jpg|thumb|right|A [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] M1123 HMMWV in 2004, equipped with a bolt-on MAK armor kit]]

In December 2004, Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]] came under criticism from U.S. troops and their families for not providing better-equipped HMMWVs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6694474 |title=NBC: Boost for armored Humvee output – Conflict in Iraq |publisher=NBC News |date=2004-12-10 |access-date=2013-11-16 |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221211845/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6694474 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rumsfeld pointed out that, before the war, armor kits were produced only in small numbers per year. As the role of American forces in Iraq changed from fighting the [[Iraqi Army]] to suppressing the insurgency, more armor kits were being manufactured, though perhaps not as fast as production facilities were capable. Even more advanced kits were also being developed.  While these kits are much more effective against all types of attacks, they weigh from {{convert|1500|to|2200|lb|kg|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} and have some of the same drawbacks as the improvised armor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/humvee-ogara.htm |title=Up-Armored Humvee M1114 |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2006-07-26 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428211510/http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/humvee-ogara.htm |archive-date=28 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Unlike similar-sized civilian cargo and tow trucks, which typically have dual rear wheels to reduce sway, the HMMWV has single rear wheels because of its independent rear suspension coupled with the body design.

Most up-armored HMMWVs hold up well against lateral attacks when the blast is distributed in all different directions but offer little protection from a mine blast below the truck, such as buried IEDs and [[land mine]]s. [[Explosively formed penetrator]]s (EFPs) can also defeat the armor kits, causing casualties.

[[File: Humvee equipped with four snow treads.jpg|thumb|left|At the [[Bridgeport, California]] Mountain Warfare Training Center in March 1997, a test HMMWV drives through the snow, equipped with [[Mattracks]] treads]]
The armor kits fielded include the [[Armor Survivability Kit]] (ASK), [[M1114 HMMWV Interim Fragment (Frag) Kit 5|FRAG 5]], [[Frag Kit 6|FRAG 6]], as well as upgrade kits to the [[M1151]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-3-04/up-armored-humvee.htm |title=Up-Armored HUVMEE (UAH) |publisher=Defense-update.com |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107142718/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-3-04/up-armored-humvee.htm |archive-date=7 November 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/5958m-contract-for-m1151-hummers-uparmor-price-limits-02488/ |title=$595.8M Contract for M1151 Hummers & Up-Armor Price Limits |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=2006-08-02 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828234555/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/5958m-contract-for-m1151-hummers-uparmor-price-limits-02488/ |archive-date=28 August 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ASK was the first fielded in October 2003, adding about {{convert|1000|lb|kg|sigfig=2}} to the weight of the vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/a/ask.htm |title=Armor Survivability Kit (ASK) for soft vehicles |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2006-07-26 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407214858/http://www.defense-update.com/products/a/ask.htm |archive-date=7 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Armor Holdings]] fielded an even lighter kit, adding only {{convert|750|lb|kg|sigfig=2}} to the vehicle's weight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/humvee-kit-battelle.htm |title=HMMWV Armor Kit – Battelle |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2005-10-25 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324142855/http://www.defense-update.com/products/h/humvee-kit-battelle.htm |archive-date=24 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Marine Armor Kit (MAK), fielded in January 2005, offers more protection than the M1114 but also increases weight.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} The FRAG 5 offered even more protection but was still inadequate to stop EFP attacks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/11/AR2007021101345.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Thousands of Army Humvees Lack Armor Upgrade |date=2007-02-12 |access-date=2010-05-04 |archive-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012123109/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/11/AR2007021101345.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The FRAG 6 kit is designed to do just that, however its increased protection adds over {{convert|1,000|lb|abbr=on}} the vehicle over the FRAG 5 kit, and the width is increased by {{convert|2|ft|cm|sigfig=2}}. The doors may also require a mechanical assist device to open and close.<ref>{{cite web |title=Humvee May Get Armor, Performance Boost |publisher=Military.com |date=2007-08-17 |first=Christian |last=Lowe |url=http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,146187,00.html?wh=wh |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819111517/http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,146187,00.html?wh=wh |archive-date=19 August 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:SAM-HMMWV.jpg|thumb|right|A HMMWV equipped with [[SLAMRAAM]] [[surface-to-air missile]]s, on display at the [[Paris Air Show]] in June 2007]]
Another drawback of the up-armored HMMWVs occurs during an accident or attack, when the heavily armored doors tend to jam shut, trapping the troops inside.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/field-lifesaver-10th-mountain-division-invents-the-rat-claw-02969/ |title=Field Life-saver: 10th Mountain Division Invents "The Rat Claw" |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=2007-01-19 |access-date=2010-11-27 |url-status=live |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004527/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/field-lifesaver-10th-mountain-division-invents-the-rat-claw-02969/}}</ref> As a result, the U.S. Army [[United States Army Aviation and Missile Center|Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center]] developed the Humvee Crew Extraction D-ring in 2006. The D-ring hooks on the door of the HMMWV so that another vehicle can rip the door off with a tow strap, chain, or cable to free the troops inside.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=September 2007|title=Acquisition & Logistics Excellence|journal=Defense AT&L|volume=36 |issue=5|page=65 |url=http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA482552 |via=Defense Technical Information Center}}{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,135017,00.html |title=Humvee Doors Trap Troops |publisher=Military.com |date=2007-05-08 |agency=UPI |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510020918/http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,135017,00.html |archive-date=10 May 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> The D-ring was later recognized as one of the top 10 greatest Army inventions of 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Army Recognizes Greatest Inventions for 2006 |url=https://www.army.mil/article/3629/army_recognizes_greatest_inventions_for_2006|last=Leipold|first=J.D. |date=15 June 2007|work=U.S. Army |access-date=27 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712005407/https://www.army.mil/article/3629/army_recognizes_greatest_inventions_for_2006|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) windows, developed by [[BAE Systems]], were fielded for use on the M1114 up-armored HMMWV, with 1,000 kits ordered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bae-invents-vee-quick-escape-bulletproof-windows-03711/ |title=BAE Invents VEE Quick-Escape Bulletproof Windows |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=2010-10-05 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910135327/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bae-invents-vee-quick-escape-bulletproof-windows-03711/ |archive-date=10 September 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Crows-M153CommonRemotelyOperatedWeaponStationOnHumvee.jpg|thumb|left|Soldiers of 3rd BCT/25th ID use an M153 CROWS atop an M1115A1 HMMWV at the Battle Area Complex, [[Schofield Barracks]], Hawaii, 2017]]
The soldier manning the exposed [[crew-served weapon]] on top of the vehicle is extremely vulnerable. In response, many HMMWVs have been fitted with basic gun shields or [[gun turret|turrets]], as was the case with [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]] APCs after they were first deployed in Vietnam. The U.S. military is currently evaluating a new form of protection, developed by BAE Systems as well as systems designed by the Army, which are already in theater.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/now-thats-a-gunshield-the-chavis-turret-03171/ |title=Now That's a Gunshield: The Chavis Turret |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=2007-03-27 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826200748/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/now-thats-a-gunshield-the-chavis-turret-03171/ |archive-date=26 August 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> The new gunner's seat is protected by {{convert|1.5|to|2|ft|cm|sigfig=2}} high steel plates with bulletproof glass windows. Additionally, some HMMWVs have been fitted with a remotely operated [[CROWS]] weapon station, which slaves the machine gun to controls in the back seat so it can be fired without exposing the crew. The [[Boomerang (countermeasure)|Boomerang]] anti-[[sniper]] system was also fielded by some HMMWVs in Iraq to immediately give troops the location of insurgents firing on them.

Another weakness for the HMMWV has proven to be its size, which limited its deployment in Afghanistan because it is too wide for the smallest roads and too large for many forms of air transport compared to jeeps or Land Rover-sized vehicles (which are, respectively, 24 and 15 inches narrower). This size also limits the ability of the vehicle to be manhandled out of situations.

===Alternatives===
The Army purchased a purpose-built armored car, the [[M1117 armored security vehicle]], also known as an armored personnel carrier (APC), in limited numbers for use by the [[United States Army Military Police Corps]]. In 2007, the Marine Corps announced an intention to replace all HMMWVs in Iraq with [[MRAP]]s because of high loss rates and issued contracts for the purchase of several thousand of these vehicles, which include the International [[MaxxPro]], the [[Land Systems OMC|BAE OMC]] [[RG-31]], the BAE [[RG-33]] and [[BAE Caiman|Caiman]], and the [[Force Protection Inc|Force Protection]] [[Cougar (MRAP)|Cougar]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/03/mrap-advance-purchase-2-oshkosh-pvi-gd/index.php |title=MRAP Advance Purchase #2: Oshkosh, PVI & GD |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2007-03-06 |access-date=2010-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601044231/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/03/mrap-advance-purchase-2-oshkosh-pvi-gd/index.php |archive-date=1 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/02/mrap-survivable-rides-start-rolling/index.php |title=MRAP: Survivable Rides, Start Rolling |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2007-02-26 |access-date=2010-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620083420/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/02/mrap-survivable-rides-start-rolling/index.php#more |archive-date=20 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/cougar-armored-trucks-to-stalk-mines-on-the-battlefield-updated-0532/ |title=Cougar Armored Trucks to Stalk Mines on the Battlefield |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2010-10-03 |access-date=2010-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709225915/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/cougar-armored-trucks-to-stalk-mines-on-the-battlefield-updated-0532/ |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/story/fullstory.asp |title=Marine Corps Announces Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Contracts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504124110/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/story/fullstory.asp |archive-date=4 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="DINGO-ALL-PROTECTED-VEHICLE-APV">{{cite web |title=Dingo – All Protected Vehicle (APV) |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/d/dingo-kmw.htm |publisher=Defense-update.com |access-date=2008-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513164756/http://www.defense-update.com/products/d/dingo-kmw.htm |archive-date=13 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which were deployed primarily for mine clearing duties. Heavier models of [[infantry mobility vehicle]]s (IMV) can also be used for patrol vehicles.<ref name="DUTCH-SPEND-EUR-25M-ON-BUSHMASTER-IMVs-FOR-AFGHAN-MISSION">{{cite news|title=Dutch Spend EUR 25M on Bushmaster IMVs for Afghan Mission (updated) |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/08/dutch-spend-eur-25m-on-bushmaster-imvs-for-afghan-mission-updated/index.php |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=2006-08-07 |access-date=2007-01-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201171328/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/08/dutch-spend-eur-25m-on-bushmaster-imvs-for-afghan-mission-updated/index.php |archive-date=1 December 2006}}</ref> The MaxxPro Line has been shown to have the highest rate of vehicle rollover accidents because of its very high [[Center of mass|center of gravity]] and immense weight.

===Replacement and future===
{{Main|Humvee replacement process|Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program}}

The Humvee replacement process undertaken by the U.S. military focused on interim replacement with [[MRAP]]s and long-term replacement with the [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]] (JLTV). The HMMWV has evolved several times since its introduction and was used in tactical roles for which it was never originally intended. The military pursued several initiatives to replace it, both in the short and long terms. The short-term replacement efforts utilized [[commercial off-the-shelf]] vehicles as part of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program. These vehicles were procured to replace Humvees in combat theaters. The long-term replacement for the Humvee is the JLTV which is designed from the ground up.  The [[Future Tactical Truck System]] (FTTS) program was initiated to analyze potential requirements for a Humvee replacement. Various prototype vehicles such as the [[MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle]], and the [[ULTRA AP]] have been constructed as part of these efforts. The JLTV contract was awarded to Oshkosh in August 2015.<ref name="Oshkosh JLTV Win">{{cite web|publisher= Breaking Defense|url= http://breakingdefense.com/2015/08/oshkosh-beats-lockheed-am-general-for-historic-jltv-win/|title= Oshkosh Beats Lockheed, AM General For Historic JLTV Win|date= 26 August 2015|access-date= 26 August 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150826062149/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/08/oshkosh-beats-lockheed-am-general-for-historic-jltv-win/|archive-date= 26 August 2015|url-status= live}}</ref>

The U.S. Marine Corps issued a [[request for proposal]]s in 2013 for its Humvee sustainment modification initiative to upgrade 6,700 expanded capacity vehicles (ECVs). The Marines plan to field the JLTV but do not have enough funding to completely replace all Humvees, so they decided to continue sustaining their fleet. Key areas of improvement include upgrades to the suspension to reduce the amount of force transferred to the chassis, upgrading the engine and transmission for better fuel efficiency, enhancements to the cooling system to prevent overheating, a central tire inflation system to improve off-road mobility and ride quality, and increased underbody survivability. Testing of upgraded Humvees was to occur in 2014, with production and installation occurring from 2015 through 2018. Older A2 series Humvees make up half the current fleet, and 4,000 are to be disposed of through [[Foreign Military Sales|foreign military sales]] and transfers. By 2017, the Marines' light tactical vehicle fleet is to consist of 3,500 A2 series Humvees, 9,500 ECV Humvees, and 5,000 JLTVs, with 18,000 vehicles in total. Humvees in service with the Marine Corps will be upgraded through 2030.<ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2013/February/Pages/MarineHumveeUpgradeSeenasInevitable.aspx Marine Humvee Upgrade Seen as Inevitable] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903231929/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2013/February/Pages/MarineHumveeUpgradeSeenasInevitable.aspx |date=3 September 2015}} – Nationaldefensemagazine.org, February 2013</ref> The Marines shelved the Humvee modernization effort in March 2015 because of budget cuts.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/03/20/marines-shelve-humvee-upgrades-due-to-budget-cuts/ Marines Shelve Humvee Upgrades Due to Budget Cuts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324225435/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/03/20/marines-shelve-humvee-upgrades-due-to-budget-cuts/ |date=24 March 2015}} – DoDBuzz.com, 20 March 2015</ref>

Several companies are offering modifications to maintain the remaining U.S. military Humvee fleets. Oshkosh Corporation is offering Humvee upgrades to the Marine Corps in addition to its JLTV offering, which are modular and scalable to provide varying levels of capabilities at a range of prices that can be provided individually or as complete packages. Their approach is centered around the [[Oshkosh TAK-4 Independent Suspension System|TAK-4]] independent suspension system, which delivers greater offroad profile capability, improved ride quality, an increase in maximum speed, greater whole-vehicle durability, and restored payload capacity and ground clearance.<ref>[http://www.asdnews.com/news-51262/Oshkosh_Defense_Answers_USMCs__Light_Vehicle_Needs.htm Oshkosh Defense Answers USMCs' Light Vehicle Needs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927072109/http://www.asdnews.com/news-51262/Oshkosh_Defense_Answers_USMCs__Light_Vehicle_Needs.htm |date=27 September 2013}} – ASDnews.com, 2013-09-24</ref> [[Northrop Grumman]] developed a new chassis and powertrain for the Humvee that would combine the mobility and payload capabilities of original vehicle variants while maintaining the protection levels of up-armored versions.  The cost to upgrade one Humvee with Northrop Grumman's features is $145,000.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160205135716/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1633 Northrop Grumman Pitching New Humvee Chassis to Army] – Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 2014-10-07</ref><ref>Richard Sisk [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/10/14/northrop-offers-back-to-the-future-upgrade-to-humvee-fleet.html Northrop Offers Back-to-the-Future Upgrade to Humvee Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029152822/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/10/14/northrop-offers-back-to-the-future-upgrade-to-humvee-fleet.html |date=29 October 2014}} – Military.com, 2014-10-14</ref> [[Textron]] has offered another Humvee upgrade option called the Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle (SCTV) that restores mobility and survivability over armored Humvee levels.  Although the SCTV costs more at $200,000 per vehicle, the company claims it can restore the Humvee for operational use, combining Humvee-level mobility and transportability with MRAP-level underbody protection as a transitional solution until the JLTV is introduced in significant numbers.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/ausa2014-textron-offers-armoured-hmmwv-solution/ Textron offers armoured HMMWV solution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016010056/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/ausa2014-textron-offers-armoured-hmmwv-solution/ |date=16 October 2014}} – Shephardmedia.com, 2014-10-15</ref><ref name="armyreco21oct14">[http://www.armyrecognition.com/ausa_2014_show_daily_news_coverage_report/textron_land_systems_presented_survivable_combat_tactical_vehicle_system_at_ausa_2014.html Textron Land Systems presented Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle System at AUSA 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101033612/http://www.armyrecognition.com/ausa_2014_show_daily_news_coverage_report/textron_land_systems_presented_survivable_combat_tactical_vehicle_system_at_ausa_2014.html |date=1 January 2016}} – Armyrecognition.com, 21 October 2014</ref>

One suggested future role for the Humvee is as an autonomous [[unmanned ground vehicle]] (UGV).  If converted to a UGV, the vehicle could serve as a mobile scout vehicle with armor features removed to enhance mobility and terrain accessibility, since there would be no occupants needing protection.  Because there will still be tens of thousands of Humvees in the U.S. inventory after the JLTV enters service, it could be a low-cost way to build an unmanned combat vehicle fleet.  Autonomy features would allow the Humvees to drive themselves and one soldier to control a "swarm" of several vehicles.<ref name="army-tech30sep14" />

Although the Army plans to buy 49,100 JLTVs and the Marine Corps 5,500, they are not a one-for-one replacement for the Humvee, and both services will still be left operating large fleets.  For the Marines, 69 JLTVs will replace the 74 Humvees in all active infantry battalions to cover its expeditionary forces. The Marine JLTV order is planned to be completed by 2022, leaving the remainder of the Corps' 13,000-strong Humvee force scattered around support organizations while soft-skinned Humvees will provide support behind the forward-deployed [[Marine Expeditionary Unit]]. The Army does not plan to replace Humvees in the [[Army National Guard]] and is considering options on how many of its 120,000 vehicles will be replaced, sustained, or modernized. Even if half of the force is replaced by JLTVs, the entire planned order will not be complete until 2040. If upgrades are chosen for the remaining Humvees, the cost would likely have to not exceed $100,000 per vehicle.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/vehicles/2015/08/29/oshkosh-awaits-protests-jltv-win/71325838/ Oshkosh Awaits Protests After JLTV Win] – Defensenews.com, 29 August 2015</ref> The Humvee is expected to remain in U.S. military service until at least 2050.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/am-general-secures-six-year-4283-million-contract-to-provide-the-army-with-m997a3-hmmwv-configured-ambulances-300139298.html AM General Secures Six-Year, $428.3 Million Contract To Provide The Army With M997A3 HMMWV Configured Ambulances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205135716/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/am-general-secures-six-year-4283-million-contract-to-provide-the-army-with-m997a3-hmmwv-configured-ambulances-300139298.html |date=5 February 2016}} – PRNewswiew.com, 8 September 2015</ref> Ambulance variants of the Humvee will especially remain in active use, as the JLTV could not be modified to serve as one due to weight issues.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/14/pentagon-selects-1st-army-marine-units-receive-jltv.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Pentagon Selects 1st Army, Marine Units to Receive JLTV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618210639/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/14/pentagon-selects-1st-army-marine-units-receive-jltv.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=18 June 2017}} – Military.com, 14 June 2017</ref>