Hummers Destined For Iraq May Get Additional Armor
In response to more deadly tactics by our enemies in Iraq, AM General, makers of the Humvee, has developed a new “Frag Kit 6†armor package. The new armor package is designed to defeat specialized explosively formed projectile munitions that can pierce current Hummer armor.
According to an article posted on military.com written by Christian Lowe, Frag Kit 6 is an improvement on Frag Kit 5 that was designed primary as a counter measure against roadside bombs detonated under the vehicle.
The new armor kit fits over the existing armor of the M1151, the most heavily armored Humvee design fielded in combat. According to the article, the new armor uses a combination of metals and spacing to protect the crew from explosively formed projectile munitions.
The package, designed by the Army Research Lab, has its drawbacks. It adds 1000 pounds to the weight of the vehicle and a foot to each side of the truck in width. In addition, the doors on the new design are so heavy that troops may need mechanical assist to open and close them.
Although, AM General does not yet have an order to produce the Frag Kit 6 configured Hummer, it has taken the steps necessary to prepare to produce the design if the Army approves it.
AM General’s plant in South Bend is cranking out about 80 up armored Hummers per day currently.
Those who need to rent an armored Hummer for personal use can have a rental armored Hummer delivered nationwide by DFW Elite Auto Rental.
Eric on August 31st 2007 in Exotic Car Rental