MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Remember how it felt to be the only kid on the block to own something new? So new that no one else had it yet and not knowing before hand that you were going to get it? It was quite a surprise wasn’t it?
Imagine the surprise Fleet Support Division Barstow felt when it received several of the latest version of the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle recently, and learned that it hadn’t been fielded yet.
In fact, the new M1152 HMMWV is so new that FSD had to wait to get the specification sheet on it, according to Virginia Kindred, Supply Technician at FSD.
“The NSN (National Stock Number) on the 4-door is new and was created after the assets were built and ready to ship,” she said. “So all the 4-door assets are being held pending the receipt of new data plates from AM General.”
While FSD Barstow received the 4-door model, FSD Albany received the 2-door version which is currently being issued to different units.
There are major differences between the old and the new models which deserve a thorough inspection. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be a difference in the two models that is until a closer observation reveals an air conditioning unit riding the transmission tunnel, in the center of the passenger compartment.
The new model also sports a larger front air distribution duct, improved front heater and evaporator assembly, reinforced front body mounts, and new heavy duty 12-inch tall variable rate rear springs. It almost describes a civilian version with one major exception; each M1152 comes with a factory-installed Integrated Armor Package.
The IAP covers the underbody, rocker panels, and lower windscreens to provide the frontline warriors improved protection against Improvised Explosive Devices, according to the information provided by Kindred.
Armored doors can be added too, as the Hummer has been assembled with reinforced ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillars as well. Now one might think that with the added weight, an estimated GVW of 11,500 pounds, that it would affect the vehicle’s frame and performance.
Not at all when adding a 6.5 liter turbo-charged diesel engine on an expanded capacity vehicle frame, similar to adding extra strength to a vehicle for off roading.
These are the most noticeable differences between the old and new vehicles and there is more; it looks sportier too.
With the type terrain the frontline warriors travel, the constant probability of encountering IEDs, and extreme weather conditions in the Global War on Terrorism, the manufacturers have listened and produced a vehicle such as the M1152 to provide the protection and comfort they need to survive longer in those conditions.
However, as soon as the new NSN come in from the manufacturer, it’s a sure bet that the war fighters in the field will not have to wait long to receive them.