Missions and Roles of the HMMWV.

Introduction to the High Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheeled Vehicle HMMVV
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carried. The low center of gravity of the HMMWV enables it to be a stable

platform for weapons use. Its larger cargo area allows the HMMWV to carry

the necessary equipment for the tube launched optically sighted wire guided

(TOW) missile system.

Increased operating efficiency and less driver fatigue is realized through

the use of applied technology such as the 6.2 liter diesel engine, automatic

transmission, full-time four wheel drive and locking transfer, inboard power

disc brakes, and power steering.

The HMMWV consists of a common chassis upon which various configurations can

be installed. The 4X4 vehicle incorporates features that are necessary to

provide mobility, agility, and ballistic protection, while carrying the

required payload and crew. The HMMWV can move, shoot, and communicate in a

variety of modes and, as such, is suited for roles in combat, combat

support, and combat service support. The design configuration for each of

these roles will be discussed next.

a. Missions and Roles of the HMMWV. In the paragraphs that follow, the

various missions and roles the HMMWV is capable of performing will be

discussed.

(1) Combat Role. In the combat role, the HMMWV can and does perform

five different and distinct missions. The vehicles used in the combat role

are the M966; armored TOW carrier, M1026; armored armament carrier (MK19

grenade launcher); and the M1025 armored armament carrier (M60 7.62mm

machinegun installed). These missions will be listed and discussed in the

paragraphs that follow.

(a) Anti-Armor.

In this role the HMMWV serves as the launching

platform for the TOW missile system.

The TOW missile system is employed

strictly against heavily armored vehicles such as the Soviet T-72 medium

tank. The purpose of the vehicle is to mount and operate the TOW missile

launcher system with armored protection for the crew, TOW system components,