<P> In 1979 , the U.S. Army drafted final specifications for a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle ( HMMWV ) , which was to replace all the tactical vehicles in the 1 / 4 to 1 1 / 4 - ton range , namely the M151 quarter - ton jeep and M561 Gama Goat , as one `` jack - of - all - trades '' light tactical vehicle to perform the role of several existing trucks . The specification called for excellent on and off - road performance , the ability to carry a large payload , and improved survivability against indirect fire . Compared to the jeep , it was larger and had a much wider track , with a 16 in ( 410 mm ) ground clearance , double that of most sport - utility vehicles . The new truck was to climb a 60 percent incline and traverse a 40 percent slope . The air intake was to be mounted flush on top of the right fender ( or to be raised on a stovepipe to roof level to ford 5 ft ( 1.5 m ) of water and electronics waterproofed to drive through 2.5 ft ( 0.76 m ) of water were specified . The radiator was to be mounted high , sloping over the engine on a forward - hinged hood . </P>
<P> In 1979 , the U.S. Army drafted final specifications for a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle ( HMMWV ) , which was to replace all the tactical vehicles in the 1 / 4 to 1 1 / 4 - ton range , namely the M151 quarter - ton jeep and M561 Gama Goat , as one `` jack - of - all - trades '' light tactical vehicle to perform the role of several existing trucks . The specification called for excellent on and off - road performance , the ability to carry a large payload , and improved survivability against indirect fire . Compared to the jeep , it was larger and had a much wider track , with a 16 in ( 410 mm ) ground clearance , double that of most sport - utility vehicles . The new truck was to climb a 60 percent incline and traverse a 40 percent slope . The air intake was to be mounted flush on top of the right fender ( or to be raised on a stovepipe to roof level to ford 5 ft ( 1.5 m ) of water and electronics waterproofed to drive through 2.5 ft ( 0.76 m ) of water were specified . The radiator was to be mounted high , sloping over the engine on a forward - hinged hood . </P>
when did the military start using the humvee
when did the military start using the humvee
1979
1979