Humvee facts for kids

A Humvee

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), usually called the Humvee, is a very strong military vehicle. It's like a powerful SUV designed for armies around the world. The Humvee is made in the United States by a company called AM General. You might know its civilian version, the Hummer, which looks similar but is built for regular roads. Humvees are known for being able to go almost anywhere.

What is a Humvee?

The Humvee is a special type of truck used by the military. It was designed to replace older vehicles like the Jeep. The main idea was to create a vehicle that could do many jobs. It needed to be able to carry soldiers, supplies, and even weapons.

Built for Tough Missions

Humvees are built to be very strong and reliable. They have a powerful engine and a special four-wheel-drive system. This means all four wheels can get power from the engine. This helps the Humvee drive through mud, sand, snow, and over rocky ground. It can even cross small rivers!

Key Features of the Humvee

• Strong Engine: Humvees have powerful diesel engines. These engines help them carry heavy loads and travel long distances.
• All-Wheel Drive: This feature allows the Humvee to drive on very difficult terrain. It can go places where regular cars cannot.
• High Ground Clearance: The Humvee sits high off the ground. This helps it avoid obstacles like rocks and bumps.
• Versatile Design: The Humvee's design allows it to be changed for different tasks. It can be an ambulance, a cargo carrier, or even a weapon platform.

History of the Humvee

Before the Humvee, the military used many different vehicles. They needed one vehicle that could do most of these jobs. In the 1970s, the United States Army started looking for a new vehicle.

Designing a New Military Vehicle

Several companies tried to design this new vehicle. AM General created a design that the Army liked best. It was called the HMMWV. The first Humvees were delivered to the military in 1983. They quickly became a very important part of the U.S. military.

Humvee in Action

The Humvee was first used in a big way during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. Soldiers found it to be very useful. It could move quickly across the desert. Over the years, Humvees have been used in many conflicts around the world. They help soldiers do their jobs safely and effectively.

How Humvees are Used

Humvees are used for many different tasks in the military. They are not just for driving around. Their design allows them to be adapted for various roles.

Carrying Soldiers and Gear

One of the main jobs of a Humvee is to transport soldiers. It can carry a small team of people and their equipment. This helps soldiers get to where they need to be quickly. They also carry supplies like food, water, and ammunition.

Specialized Humvee Versions

There are many different versions of the Humvee. Each version is designed for a specific job:

• Cargo Carriers: These Humvees carry supplies and equipment.
• Ambulances: Some Humvees are set up to carry injured soldiers. They have medical equipment inside.
• Weapon Platforms: Humvees can have different weapons mounted on them. This includes machine guns or missile launchers.
• Armored Versions: In dangerous areas, Humvees can be fitted with extra armor. This protects the soldiers inside from attacks.

The Civilian Hummer

Because the Humvee was so popular, a civilian version was made. This version is called the Hummer. It looks very similar to the military Humvee.

From Military to Main Street

The Hummer was first sold to the public in 1992. It was known for its large size and rugged look. While it looked tough, it was designed for regular roads. It did not have the same military features as the Humvee. The Hummer became a popular vehicle for people who wanted a strong, unique-looking car.

Differences Between Humvee and Hummer

Even though they look alike, there are big differences:

• Purpose: The Humvee is built for military combat and tough terrain. The Hummer is for civilian use.
• Armor: Military Humvees can have heavy armor. Civilian Hummers do not have this protection.
• Features: Humvees have military-specific equipment. Hummers have features for comfort and everyday driving.

Images for kids

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  Humvee interior

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  A U.S. Marine Corps M1123 HMMWV in 2004, equipped with a bolt-on MAK armor kit.

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  At the Bridgeport, California Mountain Warfare Training Center in March 1997, a test HMMWV drives through the snow, equipped with Mattracks treads.

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  A HMMWV equipped with SLAMRAAM surface-to-air missiles, on display at the Paris Air Show in June 2007.

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  Soldiers of 3rd BCT/ 25th ID, use an M153 CROWS atop an M1115A1 HMMWV at the Battle Area Complex, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 2017.

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  A U.S. Air Force airman in Southwest Asia stands in the ring mount of a FRAG 6-reinforced HMMWV, 2010

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  Humvee fording

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  A U.S. Army HMMWV firing a BGM-71 TOW missile.

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  M998 registered as a historical vehicle in Warendorf

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  HMMWV with a Phoenix satellite communications dish

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  A U.S. military M997 ambulance, emblazoned with the Red Cross.

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  Advanced up-armored HMMWV including armored gun turret

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  An M1114 with a Kevlar Wrapped Turret returns from a Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) mission to CAMP Adder

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  M1165A1, Aviation Nation 2014 US Air Show - Nellis AFB, Las Vegas

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  An M1113 Humvee chassis-mounted XM1124 Hybrid-Electric diesel-series hybrid-powered HMMWV, September 2009

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  A Dongfeng Mengshi (lit. "Eastwind Warrior") EQ2050 (licensed-built of the HMMWV) at China's People's Revolution Military Museum in August 2007, during the 'Our Troops towards the Sky' exhibition.

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  Greek Army M1114GR HMMWV with the ability to mount a 9M133 Kornet on top, April 2007.

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  Polish Army M1043A2 HMMWV, July 2005.

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  Marine Corps inspected SCTV Humvee, 2010

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  U.S. Marine Corps HMMWVs in the Philippines deliver food packs after Typhoon Ketsana, 2009.

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  A HMMWV firing an AGM-114 Hellfire missile.

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  U.S. Marines pushing an M1114 HMMWV during a 'Humvee Push' competition, in 2016.

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  Humvee maintenance with engine exposed by Czech Army in Afghanistan

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  A Spanish Navy Marines M-966 equipped with BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile.

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  The Mars Institute's Moon-1 HMMWV Rover waits for C-130 airlift at Cambridge Bay, Canada in 2009.

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  Bahraini Army in the 2010s

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  A Humvee captured by the Taliban in 2021

See also

In Spanish: Humvee para niños