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BAE Systems at Work Developing Humvee Replacement

The military-spec version of the HMMWV (Humvee) is getting a bit old. It first

The unnamed armored vehicle looks nimbler and more agile than the Humvee, yet offers superior protection. (Photo: BAE Systems)

enlisted for duty in 1984, and although it's been modified and kept up to date to the changing needs of America's military needs, it is approaching the limits of its current design. Although AM General, the maker of the military-grade version, has received in excess of 50,000 orders from military organizations and corporate fleets, the situation will soon change, as the US Government has just announced a contract to build the HMMWV's successor, a “Joint Light Tactical Vehicle”.

So far, up to seven different companies have submitted proposals for the design, including International/Navistar and AM General. However, a new contender is in the spotlight, and they're from overseas. The vehicle is being developed by a firm called BAE Systems, a military specialist. Because this vehicle is essentially in a competition, BAE Systems has kept the details to

This could be the US military's next battle-ready vehicle, but not before other manufacturers put up a fight for the contract. (Photo: BAE Systems)

a minimum, but it does feature a V-shaped hull which will help it deflect explosions (from land mines, etc.), includes composite armor plating that will be at least an inch thick, and will weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of a portly seven tonnes.

Another particularly clever feature of the BAE Systems entrant is that it's designed to be easy to service. For instance, the whole powertrain can be pulled out and replaced with ease in case of damage. The engine will be Navistar sourced, and, of course, will run on diesel. Another particularly cool feature is an adjustable suspension, which can allow the truck to be lifted for a maximum ground clearance of two feet; plenty for clearing rough uncharted terrain.

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