Humvee or HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle)
Origin: USA
Type: Multipurpose utility vehicle and troop carrier

Technical Specifications
Crew : 1 Driver and up to 5-8 passengers / troops

Dimensions Length : 15 ft (4.57 m)
Width : 7 ft (2.16 m)
Height : 6 ft (1.83 m) reducible to 4ft5 in (1.37 m)
Weight : 5,200 lb (2,359 kilograms)
Range : 350 miles (563.15 km)
Engine : 150 hp V8, 6.2 liter diesel engine
Fuel capacity : 25 gallons (94.63 litres)
Weapons : Some vehicles have a mounted anti-tank missile system

The US armed forces had been using the jeep as their main utility vehicle even before the outbreak of the World War II. It was not only used for carrying officers and troops from one place to another, but it could also carry military equipment and supplies. As a result of their versatility, jeeps were made in large numbers. These jeeps proved their worth in World War II.

However, as time went by, the need was felt to replace this old workhorse by a new vehicle. The main reason for replacing the jeep was that it could not negotiate through rough terrain. It also did not provide sufficient protection for its passengers. The US Army decided to build a vehicle, which would not only replace the jeep but also suit the demands of modern warfare.

The US army built a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which popularly came to be known as the "Humvee". A number of versions of this multipurpose vehicle have been made to suit different requirements.

The Humvee is an all-weather vehicle, which is capable of negotiating difficult terrain. It is a heavy, rugged vehicle and is protected by armour for the safety of its passengers. Apart from being a troop carrier it can also be used as a cargo carrier and an ambulance. Some Humvees used by the US Army carry anti-tank missile systems on them.

The powerful engine of the Humvee, its four-wheel drive and a high ground clearance, make it an ideal vehicle in the battlefield. The US troops extensively used the Humvee during the Gulf War in 1991 to rapidly transport troops and equipment from one place to another. The civilian version of this vehicle is known as the "Hummer".