The Humvee has been a staple of the U.S. military for decades, but when a contract renewal came up three years ago, it was Oshkosh and its L-ATV model that swooped the $6.75 Billion deal. AM General, makers of the military-issue Humvee couldn’t match its competitor’s level of technology and refinement – the Humvee was just too old.
Despite missing its chance at a huge payday, AM General hasn’t given up on its High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). Today, a new generation of the life-saving rig debuts at the Eurosatory security exhibition in Paris. The NXT360 is more capable, more durable, and better performing than its predecessor, with the tech to keep soldiers safe.
The NXT360 is a new version of the M1100 series Humvee, which joins five other variants in production. AM General says it can also equip older M1100 models with the NXT360’s improvements.
Moving approximately 6,000 pounds of metal requires a hearty powertrain. In the case of the NXT360, AM General uses a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 good for 250 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque. This enhanced engine and a revised suspension bumps the NXT360’s payload rating to 15,500 pounds (up from just 2,500 pounds on the previous Humvee). Increased ground clearance and wheel travel accompany larger tires and a better tire inflation system for improved off-road performance.
The NXT360’s defenses have been enhanced as well. Now on board are blast seats, blast mats, 360-degree exterior B7-level kinetic-energy threat protection, blast protection for the wheels and front undercarriage, and upgraded B7-level transparent armor (the highest level of ballistic protection today). With extra weight comes the need for improved braking, so the NXT360 features anti-lock brakes and automated emergency braking (just like your Toyota Corolla).
How about offense? AM General’s Enhanced Tactical Indirect (ETI) system translates to a 105-mm canon with soft recoil and 360-degree operation. The company says the cannon “shoots eight rounds per minute for three minutes, with sustained fire of three rounds per minute.” That’s a lot of potential damage.
Now AM General just needs a multi-billion-dollar contract. Who’s interested?
If you still haven’t had your fill of Humvee talk, learn more about why they aren’t available in the US, but are in China. And speaking of China, check out this Range Rover driving up a 45-degree nearly endless stairway.
