The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle maker, AM General has unveiled its new version of the legendary HMMWV or Humvee tactical vehicle at the Association of the U.S. Army’s (AUSA) annual exhibition. This new product offering highlights evolutionary changes to the already proven High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) platform with MRAP-level protection on 360° against kinetic energy threat and against blast. The latter is provided by 437 mm ground clearance, the underbelly protection, by a floating floor and by energy absorption seats. Considering that at the same protection level transparent armour weighs roughly four times opaque armour, this was also a key element in reducing weight.
The NXT 360 has a gross vehicle weight of 6,400 kg and is powered by a 205 hp 6.5V V8 turbocharged diesel engine, which gives a power-to-weight ratio of 32 hp/t; the engine is linked to a 4 speed electronically controlled transmission, a 2-speed transfer case being fitted for improving cross country mobility at very low speeds. The 95 litres fuel tank ensures a 400 km range. The new vehicle is fitted with heavy-duty suspensions, electronic stability control and traction control, while the ABS is provided as optional. The dimensions are similar to those of existing HMMWVs. the new 4×4 being transportable under slung by Army and Navy helicopters, as well as by C-130 and bigger fixed wing aircraft in their cargo bays.
The up-armoured version, known as NXT 360 ES, which GVW climbs up to 7,000 kg. To cope with the higher weight while maintaining mobility it is equipped with a 250 hp engine, coupled to a 6-speed transmission, which increases power-to-weight ration at nearly 36 hp/t, long travel suspensions ensuring smooth aired to its occupants. The NXT 360 ES is also equipped with a news digital backbone that allows easy integration of add-on systems, among which HUMS that will make maintenance easier. Beside the four-seats configuration “seen” at the presentation both models will be available in six- and two-seats versions, the latter with a rear flatbed that will allow to load systems of different kinds.
AM General is an American heavy vehicle and contract automotive manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. It is best known for the civilian Hummer and the military Humvee that are assembled in Mishawaka, Indiana. In the 1940s, it developed a vehicle to US Army specifications and later mass-produced “America’s first four-wheel drive one-fourth-ton tactical utility truck”—the Jeep of World War II fame. In 1953, Kaiser Motors purchased Willys-Overland, changing its name to first to Kaiser-Willys Motor Company and Kaiser-Jeep Corporation in 1963. In 1970 it was purchased by American Motors Corporation. In July 2020, KPS Capital Partners acquired the company.
