The next wave of Army fighting vehicles are still on the drawing board. So, in the meantime, “Boeing is outfitting 34 commercially produced limousine-style Hummers with radios and computer networking equipment to stand in for the… vehicles during tests and exercises,” according to Inside Defense.
In early January, seven of the vehicles will drive up Californias Interstate 15 to Nellis Air Force Base, NV, located near Las Vegas, to be used in the Air Force-led Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006…
To find the actual vehicles, Boeing conducted two separate competitions — one among Hummer dealerships near Huntington Beach, CA, and another among companies that make vehicles into limousines by cutting them in half and adding length to the middle as needed. Hummer of West Covina, CA, and LA Custom Coach Inc. won out.
The Hummers were delivered to the Huntington Beach SOSIL [System of Systems Integration Laboratory] facility with an added alternator, dual oil filters and run-flat tires. Then they were handed over to the limousine company, where their length was increased by 65 inches…
After the expansion to a six-door vehicle was complete, the Army added air conditioning because the vehicles will be running with computers and radios in the heat of the desert. They also were painted with the services signature camouflage print.
Do they have a mini-bar? Because that would really be a nice feature on those long convoy escort missions.
No mini-bar, but they do have leather seats and drink-holders, which has generated some amusement. One general saw the chrome wheels and pitched a minor fit. There’s also some concern that these commercial (rather than military) vehicles won’t hold up well when they get to Nellis.
But they’ll look great on I-15!
Practically, I imagine they’d make a somewhat more comfortable mobile command post than a command APC, which tend to be cramped. If there’s no need for the C3 crew to be surrounded by 5cm of armour plating, they’d just as soon not be. That said, it may just be generals with Napoleon complexes, if you catch my drift.
Another dog and pony show back here in the states,.….….…and in other news, soldiers are still being shot and blown up in the middle east.
OIF vet
You would think that better armor and overall gear for troops would be more important then some dumb shit like this that they could just as easily convert existing vehicles for. But then again, if you dont spend it this year, you wont get more next year..flat out dumb…
You would think that better armor and overall gear for troops would be more important then some dumb shit like this that they could just as easily convert existing vehicles for. But then again, if you dont spend it this year, you wont get more next year..flat out dumb…
You would think that better armor and overall gear for troops would be more important then some dumb shit like this that they could just as easily convert existing vehicles for. But then again, if you dont spend it this year, you wont get more next year..flat out dumb…
Why not, One would have to look at what the next vehicle is suposed to be for and how it is to be used to acomplish it. The talking watch was sure a laughing matter once. Do you hve a cell phone? Don’t just look at the clothes and forget aobut who is wearing them. It does seem a little dumb though.
Seriously, you weren’t serious, were you?
I’m sure this has to be a spoof. I mean, what else could it be.
It’s the Air Force. Did you expect them to use an ordinary Hummer?
Valley Girl, she’s a Valley Girl. Whatever!!!
“It’s the Air Force. Did you expect them to use an ordinary Hummer?“
Posted by: Herb
Herb, if it’s the Airforce why didn’t they install wings on the Hummers?
Stretched Hummers? Well of course.….but you did say Nellis AFB.….. Maybe they’ll go to that place that doesn’t exist!!.….hmmmm Yep, that’s it, the same mentality and waste of money! Gee once we become a total “consumer nation” who’ll be manufacturing this crap for us? .…Oh, yeah, sorry CHINA!!!
The first time that thing goes over a 14″ curb it is mired.Maybe they are going to Nellis to get some lifting bodies attatched to the under carriage to get it out of those “ruts“
Hoot
Now we can ride in true style no more cattle trucks… hoorah!!!
Yes once again a waste of money just like a CSM driving around a Dodge Durango with a Hemi in it over in Kuwait as well as some of the rest of the officers driving around those nice luxery SUVs. Far as I am concerened all they need is a HUMV just like the rest of us that were there just like it used to be back in the 60s where the Generals would ride is the old jeeps. This is nothing more than another DOG and Pony show and for who Im sure not impressed and actually I have never been impressed with a Humv and sure as the hell am not impressed with it being a limo.
STOP WASTING THE AMERICANS TAX MONEY
LETS WAKE UP AMERICA
Instead of wasting valuable time and money on luxury fighting vehicles, wouldn’t it make more sense to invest tax payers dollars on creating better armor protection that preserves the lives and limbs of our troops in the field.
As a former 91B20 Army Medic, if the leadership in Washington D.C. would place their hands directly on an severed artery of an injured soldier, they might have a different perspective. However, I understand that would be inconvenient as they are a bit too busy planning their next dinner engagement.
Incredible. I’m not sure what the intended application is, but it’s a heck of a hack job.
Mike
http://www.quicktrivia.com
The “luxury” SUVs in Kuwait are cheaper than a hummv, in almost every case-they should be in low end pickups however.
Once again a waste of money big time. No concern for our troops protection. Anyone notice that 3 trillion dollars of tax payer monies has been misused by our goverment this year. Here’s another prime example.
Personally I think it just makes for a bigger target –_– Com. vehicle or not, a limo just makes a bigger target with far less ability to move around the field. Secondly, one well-placed explosion in the midsection of the body and the thing is in two halves (free computers anyone?). Dumb idea.
I agree with Tim, did you read the article? These are stand in Command and Control vehicles for exercises to support the Future Combat Systems development for the Army. Boeing had then stretched to fit more computers and comm gear for the exercise, not for a hot tub and mini-bar (although a mini-bar would be very handy in Nevada in August!)
I am just glad Boeing used local companies in Southern Calif. near their integration facility and did not ask GM to make a custom version of the HMMWV at a probably astronomical cost. Ask yourself what even a stripped down Bradley fighting vehicle or a Stryker would cost.
You may not agree with the FCS approach or the need for FCS, but this acquisition makes sense to me. At least they are adding air conditioning for the comm guys.
See http://www.army.mil/fcs/ for what FCS is doing if you are following it and http://www.army.mil/fcs/factfiles/c2v.html for the C2 vehicle the HMMWV is standing in for.
Unbelievable. Life imitating art. Our military can’t supply “combat” vehicles, so the Air Force buys crappy civilian caricatures of *old* military vehicles, at stratospheric prices, then stretches them some more.
Most of the world’s armies are using Toyota pickups in place of “jeeps” (at 1/4 the price of a so-called “hummer.” It’s no surprise that the US Air Force didn’t get the memo…
For those that are disagreeing with this report, you must not be in the military. I have spent my time in Afghanistan with a humvee; they are great vehicles and have better handling and function in those situations overseas then a Pick-up truck does. The pick-up is cheap, but more complex to repair and cost a lot more money to repair then the humvee will in a life time.
A second point, the stretched out Humvee is better for computers and comms. due to the fact that the humvee will have better handling, stibility “on-the-go”, as well as manueverability due to the fact that the 5 ton trucks that Comms people use now are no were near any of that then the humvee.
If you are not in the military, do your homework first before you make a comment about the humvee or any other vehicle in the military; that is why the U.S. is one of the greatest militaries in the world. We actually spend the money in order to be on the ball with our game.
Good idea bad execution. I think the first thought should be on troop safety not cost. Lets face it, Things are still not docile by any means. The ability to provide an even larger target, paired with the fact the appearance is about as suttle as a chainsaw leads me to believe the camoflage paint should be replaced with flourescent letters saying “PICK ME, PICK ME!“
Lets take the time to get this right. Our men and women are staking their lives on it.
LAN PARTY(in a hummer)!
I am Not at all impressed with this limo version. First of all i am an Army Vet second Im a contractor that repairs military vehicles of all types wheel and fully tracked. Last i do strongly believe that this new version is wrong for today and the future of combat unless you want to put some VIPs in it to view combat from a safe distance.
Did anyone actually READ the article?
The stretched Hummers are stand-ins for a future design of communications vehicle. As such, they are to be wargamed to find strengths and weaknesses BEFORE committing funds to build the newer designs.
Seems like a relatively low-cost solution to prototyping a future vehicle by using a commercially available product rather than a one-off custom built prototype to me.
Really? Come on.…. This type of vehicle is in Las Vegas, and should stay in Las Vegas. The public pays over $75 an hour to ride in one of these. What is the Military thinking of. War is not to bling like Las Vegas. I can see it now, troops hanging out of the sunroof. Party!!!!!!
STUPID.…..
One hopes their stand-in status will take into account that the basic civilian Hummer is NOT the structurally tough, tactically equipped equivalent of our HUMMV.
I only hope the completed “limosines” are tough enough to withstand their intended use.
Its about time we got on the track toward what we all really need… an up-armored Winnebago on a half-track chassis.
For those of you how are agreeing with this report, the main issue you need to be thinking about is how are you going to take care of the comm. gear and more important the men/women inside. I have just got back from Iraq, where I up armored the HUMVEE’s. The armor that we where putting on gave a 360 protection for the men inside. We put armor on comm. vech. of all kind, which is now keeping Marines alive. What is killing the men on the battle field today. It is not the shorlder fire weapon but the IED’s on the side of the road that is killing them. With a bigger target as a stretch HUMVEE, the bad guys will have a better chance of sitting off the IED on target. You also say that VIP’s would ride in them they we need to make sure that thier SGLI is up to date. This is a very bad Idea. Keep the pretty stuff at home and send over the gear that can get the job done.
So how about Boeing outfitting a stronger Humvee that our guys are already using in Iraq (my son included?) Last word was that the I.E.D.‘s are now capable of priecing the armor that is presently applied to them. Sounds a whole lot more economically feasable to me. They don’t need a big showboat target there by any means.
Well I will say i dont have all the Tech data but upon intial review I have say “ARE YOU SERIOUS”. My thoughts are you might want to call it the “Body Bag”. I mean if you intend to use it way behind the rear with gear or for dignataries fine have fun, But this is ubsurd lets see it is incredible subsupital to IED attack, crap for mobility completely impractcle for combat enviroment.Did you plan on painting a target on this vehicle because just by its easily identified construction it makes a target thats hard to miss.I am confused I have great faith in boeing and over the years thay produced exelence in technoligy. This is why I am amazed that crucial Research and Devolpement dollars have been allacated for this. I have no problems even with a way out never been tried before unknown ideas that is what is what research and devolpement is for but give me a break. Might I sugest an Armored Car desighn with next generation armoring and advanced electronics that will enhane abillity and maintain acceptable combat survibility. I as a nobody but still for what its worth. This one mans opinnion with nothing in mind but the servicemembers who will serve with this equipment would like to state we all have a duty to provide are forces with the best equipment and traing the world has to offer. Lets not put them in a rolling “body bag”.Just a word of advise when you desighn a new system every day remember why and what it is for and imagine your loved ones such as your father,mother,son,daughter being tasked with the operation of this equipment you have desighned. Because it is the the Mothers,Fathers,Sons,and daughters of America that will be operating these pieces of equipment. Thank You GOD Bless and good luck.
Sincerly
Gregory A Mangrum
it may not be as bad as it seems,we trust our lives to them every day “even though it sounds stupid” but they maybey used for convoy tansportation which intern would make alot of sense
Might be nice to take me to the officer’s club on a CONUS post. It would be better with champagne and a hot tub. In a combat zone, I am not interested in riding this elephant. Frankly, I doubt this will get past the test phase. Everyone knows we need the Rhino armored vehicles.
I work on the program and I would like to make it clear that these vehicles are intended to be used as a mobile C4 test platform only. We will be testing C4 only and not actual vehicle platforms. Hummers were chosen because of the huge space requirements for the current COTS based software development platform as well as multiple develpmental comms systems. The decision was made to strech them to accomidate two extra seats. These extra seats allow for four operator stations so we can test the software in a future C2V configuration.
It’s pretty sad the sheer number of people in the comments section who apparently have little to no reading comprehension skills. It doesn’t make the rest of us look any better when fellow Americans open their ignorant mouths before absorbing the full details of the situation.
Read more thouroughly and maybe you’ll understand.
PFC-USMC
I am amazed at the percentage of readers who actually thought this vehicle was intended as a combat vehicle. The article VERY CLEARLY says that it is to be used to test COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT at NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE. It was very clear to me that the VEHICLE is NOT intended to do anything other than carry the equipment around while the EQUIPMENT is being tested. Please people, read before you post. This is way better than pulling an armored vehicle out of the fight just to some equipment that may, someday, be put inside another vehicle.
It is unblievable how ignorant you people are. Do you really have so little faith in God and country that you would actually think someone put a “stretch limo” into a combat situation. Of course it is a “huge target” and “rolling body bag”, who would be so dumb as to want to put our fighting forces in such a situation. Read a little more thouroughly first, get out a some references, and do some homework the next time prior to spouting off at the mouth and making yourselves look so stupid in front of all the World. (remember these articles are read by more than just us here in the good ole USA.) And by the way stop telling everything; “when I was in Iraq we had…”, “What’s killing our pepole is…” We need protection from…” Duh, who else do you think is reading this stuff,(insurrgents, terrorists maybe). You all are bunch of ignorant, arrogant morons, who need to learn to use spell check and a dictionary. Hopefully you check back periodically and get the opportunity to read this. What more can I say, email me if you want more hate tossed your way. Happy New Year.
Looks like a Cougar 6x6 will fill this role in the field. Just my opinion. http://www.forceprotection.net
Hey,
it sure beats marching everywhere like us infantry troops!
Big Mike, the opinionated chap who is so quick to admonish everyone other than a supporter of the traitor, George W. Bush, regarding their civil liberites and inability to use a ‘spell checker’ (What’s the point?), might be well served if he practiced what he preached, learned a bit about ‘basic grammar and punctuation’ and spend more time ‘listening’ and ‘reading’ to improve his frame of knowledge in general; and in particular, about the subject he addressed. Big Mike is obviously one of those blind sheep who cannot recognize the difference between patriotism and treason.
BigM…
You wrote:
Duh, who else do you think is reading this stuff,(insurrgents, terrorists maybe). You all are bunch of ignorant, arrogant morons, who need to learn to use spell check and a dictionary.
You wrote: “What’s killing our pepole is.…
What the hell is “pepole?”.…!!!!
I believe the word you are looking for is “PEOPLE“
Terorist has one r.
Well.…The insurgents can read all they want. That is why it is called the internet. People post and reply.These posting are not a threat to our National Security!!!!
1) Duh…defined ..Used to express actual or feigned ignorance or stupidity. 2. used to indicate that something just stated is obvious or self evident.
Nothing written by any of these writers is stupid or arrogant except your spelling of “pepole” and you hate spew. These passages are merely opinions.
2) I suppose it is obvious that you understood all that was written.….Therefore spell-check is not required or necessary. It is merely helpful.
On 2nd thought, you are the only one ranting about spell check. Where there many words that you could not understand?
Do yourself and us a favor.….!!!Go back to the year 2005 and spew all your hate..!!!!!Better yet, Buy yourself a one way ticket to Iraq and spew all you want every day in the middle of any street out there!!!
We know that the vehicle is intended as a communication test.…Even so communication is one of the life lines for combatants. There should be no TEST for communication in a Hummmer. We must understand that in order for one to see if a TEST really works one must use it in a “live scenario.” On the day that the governments actually test this vehicle in a real life situation, it will “probably” put the lives of the soldiers and equipment in harms way.
Let us leave the hate for the terrorist!!
Don
If you want to sneak around, be a mouse and work your way up from there, In Vietnam, The VC ran around everywhere in tunnels, only a fool would get in An Over-Size Vehicle AND TRAVEL AROUND THE STREETS OF IRAQ!!! Stupid, Ignorant,A Congressman, the lists goes on. Like, put The president at the Wheel,What a joke and waste of money
If you want to sneak around, be a mouse and work your way up from there, In Vietnam, The VC ran around everywhere in tunnels, only a fool would get in An Over-Size Vehicle AND TRAVEL AROUND THE STREETS OF IRAQ!!! Stupid, Ignorant,A Congressman, the lists goes on. Like, put The president at the Wheel,What a joke and waste of money
gdh
Ok…it is apparent that no one in America reads the fine print anymore. Everything is slanted and opinionated and few see the facts anymore.
Ok, lets get something straight. Numerous others have alluded to this and people still haven’t caught on. So here goes.
THE LIMO HUMMER IS A STAND IN. They chose it for the space to have all the comm suite, airconditioning, test equipment, data recorders, developers, programers, engineers, and designers. They are NOT going to baja it around the desert of Nevada. It will be used to test communications with air, space, land, and UAV type technologies is my guesstimate. Why not choose some other vehicle? Because there would not be enough room in any other. They are testing radio and comm equipment, not tryin to mock up or prototype any kind of new vehicle.
When and IF a new vehicle is made they will take the knowledge gained from the tests, design new comm gear around it, and put it in the new chasis.
I hate almost any forum because it becomes a place for fools to flame fools rather than exchange knowledge. People, please learn to read and comprehend. This is why politicians sway so many ignorant people into following them like sheep…because people became fat, dumb, and lazy as a whole.
hello im trying to find my bio-father his name is gregory a mangrum he was once in the army please if you can help me please e-mail me back asap at country_child1691@yahoo.com