The M1114 "up-armored" HMMWV, introduced in 2004, also features a similar weapons mount. [44] In addition, some M1114 and M1116 up-armored and M1117 Armored Security Vehicle models feature a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), which allows the gunner to operate from inside the vehicle, and/or the Boomerang anti- sniper detection system.
Recent improvements have also led to the development of the M1151 model, which quickly rendered the previous models obsolete. By replacing the M1114, M1116, and earlier armored HMMWV types with a single model, the US Army hopes to lower maintenance costs.
The latest iteration of the Humvee series can be seen in the M1151A1 and later up-armored A1-versions. It has a stronger suspension and larger 6.5 liter turbo-diesel engine to accommodate the weight of up to 680 kg (1,500 lb) of additional armor. The armor protection can be installed or taken off depending on the operating environment, so the vehicles can move more efficiently without armor when there is no threat of attack. There is some underbody armor that moderately protects against mines and roadside bombs.Other improvements include Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) windows that can be quickly removed so troops inside can escape in the event of a rollover, jammed door, or the vehicle catching fire, and a blast chimney that vents the force of a bomb blast upwards and away from the occupants. The M1151A1 has a crew of four, can carry 2,000 lb (910 kg) of payload, and can tow a 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) load. On roads, it has a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a range of 480 km (300 mi). [45]
M1113 Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) [ edit ]
Under contract to the US Army, AM General developed the M1113 Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV). The M1097A2 is the basis for the Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV). [48]The ECV provided the payload capacity allowing for larger and heavier communications shelters, improved armor protection level for scouts, military police, security police, and explosive ordnance disposal platforms. [46]
In late 1995, production of the M1114 based on the improved ECV chassis began. The M1114 meets Army requirements for a scout, military police, and explosive ordnance disposal vehicle with improved ballistic protection levels. The M1114 provides protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing projectiles, 155 mm artillery air bursts and 12 lb (5.4 kg) anti-tank mine blasts.
In June 1996, the US Army purchased an initial 390 M1114s for operations in Bosnia. The US Air Force has a number of M1114 vehicles that differ in detail from the US Army model. Under the designation M1116, the type was specifically designed and tailored to the needs of the US Air Force.[46] The M1116 features an expanded cargo area, armored housing for the turret gunner, and increased interior heating and air conditioning system. The M1114 and M1116 received armor at O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Company of Fairfield, Ohio . The M1145 offers the protection of the M1114 and M1116 for Air Force Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOS). Designed to protect Forward Air Controllers, modifications include perimeter ballistic protection, overhead burst protection, IED protection, mine blast protection, and 'white glass' transparent armor. [49] Prior to the introduction of the latest armored HMMWV variants, and between 1993 and June 2006, Armor Holdings produced more than 17,500 armored HMMWVs (more than 14,000 between 2003-2007), all but about 160 of the earliest models were M1114, with smaller numbers of M1116 and M1045. [46] These extended capacity HMMWVs can drive over an 18 in (460 mm) vertical wall and carry a 6,820 lb (3,090 kg) payload. [50]
EXPANDED-CAPACITY Vehicles
Expanded-capacity HMMWVs (ECV) are designed to carry heavier payloads without sacrificing the vehicle's mobility, dependability and performance.
The M1113 ECV is used for special operations vehicles and communications shelter carriers.
The M1114, with improved ballistic protection levels, is used for scout, military police and explosive ordinance disposal missions. The M1114 provides protection against small arms artillery airbursts and anti-tank mine blasts.
The US Air Force uses a modified version of this vehicle, the M1116, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Air force. The M1116 features an expanded cargo area, armored housing for the turret gunner and improved interior heating and air conditioning system. The M1114 and M1116 receive armor at Armor Holdings in Fairfield, Ohio.
In 2005, AM General began production of the M1151, M1152 and M1165 variants. The vehicles incorporated the highest levels of armor protection including frag kits, all field installable/removable.
M1151s are armament carriers and M1152s are two-man vehicles that can be used as troop carriers/shelter carriers, etc. The M1165 is a command and control vehicle with a four person seating capacity.
The armor is available in two kits, an 'A' kit and a 'B' kit, which