Composite Humvee

, the Warren, RI-based manufacturer of large-scale structural composite products, has been awarded a $4.5 million development contract by the US Army to design and build three composite High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), more commonly known as Humvees. 

“We have all heard recent stories about soldiers in Iraq with old HMMWV models that aren’t adequately protected or are too slow and unreliable because of the heavy armour kits attached to them,” said Steve Lockard, CEO of TPI.

“These older HMMWV models are being used in a manner different than that for which they were designed. This program starts with a clean slate to create a HMMWV that will optimise the vehicle for weight, armour, mine-blast, durability and mobility requirements,” he added.

The contract was awarded in conjunction with AM General Corporation, the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Over the next 18 months, TPI, with AM General’s assistance, will design and build three all-composite HMMWVs that will reduce overall weight and provide a more mobile vehicle that can also carry armour protection.