The U.S. army is going to be testing some lighter composite Humvees. Roadside bombs are the No. one killer of U.S. soldiers in Iraq so "a lighter vehicle that rides higher even with added armor might have a greater degree of protection if it runs directly over a bomb." The Army Times reported. "Adding armor weighs a Humvee down and makes it ride lower to the ground." A conventional Humvee weighs between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.
"The nonmetal Humvee utility vehicle that is 900 pounds lighter than its conventional counterpart so it can carry extra armor to better protect soldiers against roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan," said the Times. "The prototype vehicle’s frame and body is made of nonmetal composites — a combination of fiberglass, balsa wood, foam and carbon reinforcements all held together with resin."
Foam and Balsa Wood Vehicles
Army Tests Lighter Composite Humvees
Trend Themes
1. Lightweight Composites - The use of nonmetal composites in vehicle construction to increase protection without sacrificing maneuverability.
2. Armor Innovation - Development of new armor materials to increase protection and reduce weight on military vehicles.
3. Sustainable Materials - Greater use of sustainable materials like balsa wood and foam in composite manufacturing for military and civilian vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - Manufacturing companies in the automotive industry can utilize lightweight composite materials and new armor innovations.
2. Defense Industry - Defense companies can develop new armor technologies and lightweight composite materials for military vehicles.
3. Composites Manufacturing - Manufacturing companies specializing in composite materials can expand their product offerings for military and civilian vehicles.