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| Humvee VS Oshkosh JLTV |
What's better, a Humvee or an Oshkosh JLTV?
Is there a benefit to choosing the Oshkosh JLTV over the Humvee? Can the Humvee continue to be an effective military vehicle?
There is a lot on the line when it comes to military vehicles. Full protection, exceptional performance, long life, and ease of maneuverability are all features. The GM Humvee is a complete light tactical vehicle used by military forces all over the world, including the U.S. There's a reason the Humvee has become the most well-known military transport and tactical vehicle. In 1983, the U.S. Army began using the LTV, and it was instrumental in the 1991 Gulf War. The Humvee has served the U.S. military well ever since.
One of the strongest armies in the world has used the Humvee as its main fighting vehicle for a long time, but now it has a new rival. In the long run, the Oshkosh JLTV could replace a portion of the Humvees used by the United States military. Although the JLTV is widely regarded as one of the most cutting-edge tactical vehicles in the world, is it really on par with the GM Humvee?
Can the Oshkosh JLTV be considered superior to the Humvee? Can the Humvee still function as an effective military vehicle? Let's find out!
Both are equipped with V8 engines, guaranteeing nonstop action.
Although the Humvee is an older vehicle, it has been upgraded to keep up with newer models of combat vehicles. The 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 engine that powers the GM Humvee generates just 190 hp. Considering the Humvee weighs in at 13,000 pounds, that is not enough power. The vehicle may have sufficient torque to move itself on any surface, but its top speed is too low to be useful in combat.
However, the dynamics of the Oshkosh JLTV's V8 turbodiesel engine set it apart. The Oshkosh is equipped with a GM L5P Duramax 6.8-liter V8 engine that can generate 400 hp. To put that in perspective, that's an increase of about 210 hp compared to the Humvee's power. The JLTV also boasts a superior six-speed automatic transmission compared to the Humvee's four-speed unit. It has been said that electric vehicles (EVs) could be an option, but this has not been proven.
Comparison of the JLTV's Strength and the Humvee's Flexibility
Both vehicles have their uses, but they couldn't be more dissimilar. The Humvee has seen it all on the battlefield and can handle any situation. It can move around in tight spaces, go over rough terrain, and even cross water up to 5 feet deep. This is an area where the all-wheel-drive system shines. But that's to be expected since the Humvee has been changed so many times to meet the needs of military forces all over the world.
The Oshkosh JLTV's unique specs reflect its focus on high performance and dependability. This car could be used as a getaway car or to move important supplies and people. The JLTV, like the Humvee, has four-wheel drive, but its system is more advanced.
Anti-bomb armor to shield soldiers from harm
Heavy armor plates protect the people and things in both vehicles in case they are attacked. When it comes to safety from enemy fire and bombs, the Humvee comes out on top. There isn't much room inside, but the close quarters provide safety for the passengers. The cabin shell and its windows and windshield are bulletproof, and they can deflect the force of an IED or a bomb blast.
Even though the Oshkosh JLTV could use more armor, it is otherwise excellent. The vehicle's primary purpose is speed, so it has a minimalistic set of defenses. A V-shaped hull, bulletproof glass, and an enclosed cabin make it bomb-resistant. A "B-Kit" armor package can be added to the JLTV to increase its protection to the level of an MRAP.
Unparalleled dependability in action
When it came to low-profile vehicles, the Humvee used to be unrivaled in dependability. The military quickly changed the narrative by slapping a bunch of armor on it and putting it to use in a variety of ways. Since the Humvee's top speed was already an issue, piling on extra armor only made things worse. The United States military sought an LTV that could improve overall mission success. All three competitors, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, and Oshkosh, were invited. The U.S. military ultimately decided to go with Oshkosh's JLTV because it had the highest reliability rate out of the three.
The Humvee had the worst track record of any vehicle. This is why the Oshkosh JLTV was selected instead. The JLTV was the most dependable vehicle because it went the farthest distance (3,048 miles) before breaking down and needing repairs.
Last Words
Since the Humvee and JLTV each have their strengths, we can't say that one is better than the other. The Oshkosh JLTV can be armed to MRAP standards and is faster and more reliable than its competitors. On the other hand, the Humvee is easier to control and has stronger protection. Nonetheless, if we're going to pit the two against one another, the Oshkosh JLTV comes out on top.
