Article Posted on : - May 11, 2010

The High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee). A BNS Photo.

WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded the AM General defence contract worth $54 million for the procurement of 500 additional High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV or Humvee).

The vehicles will be manufactured at the company's Mishawaka facility. The estimated completion date is December 31, according to a news report by the US DOD.

Humvee has been the mainstay truck of the US military since 1985. More than 65 combat and combat support systems have been fielded on HMMWVs. AM General has produced more than 200,000 HMMWVs for the US and more than 50 friendly international forces.

Humvees feature full-time four-wheel drive, independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles, 60 percent gradeability and 16 inches of ground clearance.

Humvees are currently in use by the US Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy at locations throughout the United States and by more than 50 friendly foreign nations.