Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV) Marker
The M1109 was introduced in 1993 after the need for an "up-armored" light utility truck was demonstrated in Somalia. The earlier models were made of composite material and had canvas doors. The lack of armored protection made them vulnerable to small arms fire and mines. O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt began work on modifying the basic design to an armaments carrier configuration in 1994. Although much of the body would still be made of composite material, the canvas doors were replaced with metal and metal plates were bolted around the cab area. The frame and springs were made to hold the heavier body and engine size was increased. The transmission was given four speeds instead of three, with a park position added.
The upgraded armor protection allowed the M1109 to withstand 155mm artillery airbursts, a 12-pound anti-tank mine blast or a direct hit from small arms fire up to a 7.62mm armor piercing round. This series is the base for armament carrier varients.
This HMMWV was one of several rebuilt to Army specifications by AMG, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, in the mid-1990s. This HMMWV was tested at the BAE facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
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Location. 37° 9.92′ N, 76° 34.523′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached from Washington Boulevard, 0.2 miles south of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M1097, Heavy Variant, 4×4 (HMMWV) (here, next to this marker); M221 Truck, Tractor, 2½ Ton, 6×6 (here, next to this marker); M151A2 Truck, Utility ¼ Ton 4×4 (MUTT) (here, next to this marker); T-3, Rolling Liquid Transporter (RLT) (here, next to this marker); M151A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton (MUTT) (here, next to this marker); M38A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton, 4×4 (a few steps from this marker); DCO 205-H, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (a few steps from this marker); 2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 32 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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