Humvee has no electronics for EMP to damage | NextBigFuture.com (2024)

Humvee has no electronics for EMP to damage | NextBigFuture.com (1)

by Brian Wang

The US military replaced its Humvees in Afghanistan and Iraq, with heavier, better armored vehicles because of the threat from roadside bombs. But that approach may not work In a high-tech conflict, argues manufacturer AM General. You might want to go back to the Humvee. Why? Because it’s simpler. There are no electronic engine controls, no electronic braking, no circuitry that a sophisticated enemy could hack with malware, scramble with directed microwaves, or fry with the electromagnetic pulse from an atomic bomb or other source.

Two years after losing the contract for the next-gen, high-tech Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), AM General is doubling down on the Humvee and making a virtue of its simplicity. Sure, the company has upgraded the vehicle since its introduction back in 1984 with more powerful engines, tougher transmissions, and stronger frames. That increased the maximum weight of a fully-loaded Humvee from 9,000 lbs to 14,000 lbs now, dramatically increasing capacity for cargo, weapons, and armor – even as reliability has increased four-fold.

AM General’s “Keep It Simple, Stupid” strategy seems to be working. Last August, the Army awarded the company a $1.6 billion contract to buy Humvees for Afghanistan. This September, the Army awarded a $2.2 billion contract for “Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Jordan, Slovenia, Bahrain, Columbia, Bosnia and Kenya,” of which $550 million is already on order. The US Army has even restarted buying new Humvees for its own use, mainly in the National Guard, as well as overhauling and upgrading the more than 100,000 Humvees already in service.

Humvee has no electronics for EMP to damage | NextBigFuture.com (2)

Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.

Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.

A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.

Humvee has no electronics for EMP to damage | NextBigFuture.com (2024)

FAQs

Are Humvees EMP proof? ›

AM General admits that even uparmored Humvees can't survive roadside bombs the way larger vehicles can. In part, the difference is a matter of design. The Humvee is built like a civilian truck, with the passenger cabin, engine, and other components attached directly to a metal frame.

What vehicles would survive an EMP attack? ›

Most cars will survive an EMP attack, but the vehicle that is most likely to survive is an older model diesel vehicle with minimal electronics. For a surefire way to shield from EMP, building a faraday cage garage for your car would be a useful project.

What material can block an EMP? ›

There are two basic ways to protect or harden items against EMP effects. The first method is metallic shielding. Shields are made of a continuous piece of metal such as steel or copper. A metal enclosure generally does not fully shield the interior because of the small holes that are likely to exist.

Do EMP permanently destroy electronics? ›

An energetic EMP can temporarily upset or permanently damage electronic equipment by generating high voltage and high current surges; semiconductor components are particularly at risk. The effects of damage can range from imperceptible to the eye, to devices literally blowing apart.

What will run after an EMP attack? ›

In the event of an EMP, short range walkie-talkies and battery-operated radios are highly likely to continue working. Pick up a set of walkie-talkies for everyone in your family and get 2 battery-operated radios to stay connected with the news immediately following an emergency.

What year are vehicles immune to EMP? ›

And there's no way to guarantee a good outcome for any vehicle short of wrapping the whole thing in a Faraday cage. There is no magic year, make, or model that you should buy. Roughly speaking, pre-1970 or so is better, but that's becoming impractical 50 years on.

Are batteries affected by EMP? ›

Batteries which are NOT part of an electrical circuit will function after an EMP. Since they aren't in a circuit, there's no way for the pulse to damage them.

Will aluminum foil stop EMP? ›

The easiest solution is to make a home-made faraday cage out of aluminium foil. By wrapping your electronic devices in tinfoil you can help protect yourself from EMPs. This is an excellent method to protect yourself from electromagnetic pulsed attacks.

What would an EMP do to a human? ›

The EMP associated with a nuclear detonation poses no direct health threat, although health-related equipment may be affected.

Can you EMP proof your house? ›

EMP Shield is designed to protect an entire home from lightning, solar flare (coronal mass ejection), power surges, and an electromagnetic pulse. Our family of technologies have been tested at Keystone Compliance, in accordance with all military standards.

How do you make homemade EMP protection? ›

Use common objects, like a shoe box and aluminum foil, or a metal bucket and aluminum tape, to make an at-home faraday cage. No matter what your main faraday cage material is, make sure you're using aluminum tape to close any gaps.

What is the best material for a Faraday cage? ›

Wood-frame and copper or aluminum mesh are common for home-built Faraday cages. Solid metal boxes are good choices, but if you are not buying one that is specifically designed for good electronic shielding, pay close attention to door edges and ensure that there is good electrical contact between the sides.

Are there any EMP proof vehicles? ›

Older model vehicles, particularly those manufactured before the 1980s, often have simpler electrical systems that are less vulnerable to EMP attacks. These vehicles typically have fewer electronic components and can continue running even when exposed to electromagnetic pulses.

Can a Humvee survive a grenade? ›

However, the chassis survivability allowed the majority of those crews to return to safety, though the HMMWV was never designed to offer protection against intense small arms fire, much less machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

Is my gun safe EMP proof? ›

While there are some definite advantages to electronic gun safe locks, it's important to note that no electronic locks are EMP “proof”. That being said, there are some gun safe locks that have been tested and certified as EMP resistant. These include: SECURAM TopLit Electronic Lock.

Are electric vehicles EMP proof? ›

All modern cars would be disabled by a large scale EMP - whether gas, hybrid, or EV. Tesla likely has some built-in protection against an EMP, but it wouldn't be enough against a large scale EMP. If a large scale EMP happens from the sun or an attack, there's going to be bigger problems than having your car be ...

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