The High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle — or Humvee for short — was invented in 1985 and rose in popularity during the Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm. The Humvee still serves troops today, however, experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan spurred military leadership to ask for a replacement, leading to the Oshkosh Defense Light Combat Tactical (L-ATV).
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The L-ATV entered active duty in 2019 with a price tag of $344,000. It is currently used by the U.S Army, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Special Operations Command.
There are four different vehicles and multiple variants available for users: the general purpose (GP), the heavy gun carrier (HGC), the utility (YTL) and the close combat weapons carrier (CCWC).
On average, each L-ATV weighs 11 tons and is comparatively easier to transport than its cousin, the M-ATV. This means it can be sling-loaded under helicopters and fit in a C-130.
The L-ATV has a range of 400 miles and a top speed of over 70 miles per hour. Even though it is mine-resistant and protected with modular armor, it can still navigate up to 60 inches of water if needed.
Each L-ATV is multifunctional and can also be configured to carry several weapons that allow troops to take the fight to the enemy. It can be fitted with light, medium and heavy machine guns, as well as automatic grenade launchers and anti-tank guided missiles.
Last year, Oshkosh went a step further and introduced the eJLTV — a hybrid that allows operators to charge the lithium-ion battery while the diesel engine is in use. The battery then allows users to drive in silent mode to help conceal the vehicle.
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