New HMMWV Model on the Way to U.S. Troops

AM General LLC, SOUTH BEND: The first 500 M1151P1 armored HMMWVs are en-route to Southwest Asia. The M1151P1 is the newest HMMWV variant to be delivered to US troops serving in the Middle East. The M1151P1 incorporates the latest in removable armor protection providing U.S. warfighters a tactical advantage. 
 
The armor of this new M1151 HMMWV variant may be installed or removed by soldiers in the field. The armor of the M1151P1 is installed at AM General's manufacturing facility in Mishawaka, Indiana. The armor comprises 2 kits, an “A” kit and “B” kit which, when combined, provide gapless mine and ballistic protection. The armor can later be removed, to provide greater flexibility for missions that do not require additional protection. 
 
The M1151P1 also allows the incorporation of future improvements in armor materials and design. In addition, the M1151 is equipped with a dual air-conditioning system providing greater crew comfort. 
 
The Optimizer 6500 provides power for the M1151P1. The Optimizer 6500 is a newly re-designed turbo-charged diesel engine which provides a 36% increase in power, 69% increase in torque and 16% increase in range over the original HMMWVs. 
 
The M1151P1 demonstrates the shared commitment of the U.S. Army and AM General to incorporate the latest in armor and automotive technology to provide today's U.S. fighting forces the best in equipment and protection with mission flexibility.  
 
Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, AM General operates manufacturing facilities in Mishawaka, and an Engineering and Product Development Center in Livonia, Michigan. The company has some 2600 employees, of whom 2300 work in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. The company also provides spare parts, field service and training support for all its products, and its Engineering and Product Development Center provides integrated logistics support and systems technical support for a variety of military systems in addition to the HMMWV.