The US Army has awarded AM General a $733-million contract to produce the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) – Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) variant.
The lightweight, armored vehicles will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, medical, and other US armed forces operations.
Compared to the original Humvee model, the ECV features an improved suspension, brakes, corrosion prevention, and cooling system.
It also has an increased payload capacity, access panels for easier maintenance, and a more powerful engine for better performance.
Work for the contract is expected to be finished by the end of 2024.
Humvee Armored Vehicles
The Humvee is a four-wheeled tactical vehicle with several modifications for multiple missions.
The diesel-powered armored vehicle has a high power-to-weight ratio and ground clearance for improved agility and mobility in difficult terrain.
The Humvee is also air-transportable and air-droppable, with a gross weight of 11,500 pounds (5,216 kilograms).
AM General has maintained and modernized over 160,000 Humvees.
Safety Concerns
Despite its popularity with several branches of service, the Humvee has been involved in several accidents.
Last month, two US Air Force personnel were wounded after their Humvee rolled over in Weld County, Colorado.
A USAF cadet also died in June following a Humvee accident during training at Saylor Creek Range in southern Idaho.
Other cadets required medical attention due to the accident.
To address the vehicle’s safety issues, the US Army announced it would invest $180 million in safety modifications.
The service will reportedly install anti-lock brake systems with electronic stability control kits into many, but not all, of its Humvees.