Evaluation of Increased Mobility opportunities for the HUMVEE

The standard AM General HUMVEE has the potential of significantly increased mobility than its currently delivered form. The rough road capability of the HUMVEE is extremely poor due to its limited wheel travel, high spring rates and lack of shock absorber damping. This is unfortunate since the basic size and layout has the potential to work extremely well due to its wide track and long wheel base. The HTMMP vehicle demonstrated 30-50% higher speeds over set test courses despite its much narrower track width. Slow speed performance through the boulder field test course was better. The increased performance was primarily due to its long travel suspension and tuned spring/shock package. This proposal is to develop a kit that can be retrofit to any HUMVEE that will improve the low and high speed mobility of the HUMVEE. The kits will be as low priced as possible (target of $3-5K) and designed to be installed in the field with simple hand tools. In this way, existing inventory of HUMVEEs or new vehicles can be adapted to specific missions in a timely, cost effective fashion.