MDM 2011: Ceradyne unveils HMMWV Recap contender
Ceradyne revealed its contender for the proposed HMMWV Recap programme at Modern Day Marine on 27 October. The prototype vehicle was developed jointly by Ceradyne Vehicle Armor Systems and Gravikor with a number of other technology partners.
Speaking to Shephard, Marc King, president of Ceradyne Armor Systems, said, 'the concept is particularly adapted to the marines, although we think it will also suit the US Army. It will help the USMC get them back on ships. We know the marine corps is looking to get back to being expeditionary and amphibious.'
The prototype incorporates an advanced spaceframe design borrowed from the motor sports industry for a vehicle crew cab that the King says provides versatility to scale the armour application to the mission. In base form, the vehicle is fitted with canvas doors but can be upgraded to undisclosed full ballistic protection levels depending on the threat.
'What you have is a lightweight, very strong, very rigid solution,' King stated. The concept allows the armour to be scaled on the vehicle itself and also to develop as armour technology changes.
In addition to the visible armour elements, the solution incorporates a blast shield of advanced materials under the crew cab. The parabolic blast shield is made from unique blast absorbing materials developed by Cellular Materials International. All of this combines to give increased crew survivability, King added.
Finally, he described how Ceradyne had invested a lot of 'thinking time' in developing the prototype, with concept work beginning some 18 months ago. The prototype itself was built in 45 days.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australia and Canada approved for $2.5 billion HIMARS buys]()
Australia and Canada approved for $2.5 billion HIMARS buys
Australia already operates M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) after receiving first units in March and conducting the first firings in August. Canada’s order comes in the face of a commitment from the government to move away from US products.
-
![Iran lifts lid on its anti-tank missiles used in the field against Israel]()
Iran lifts lid on its anti-tank missiles used in the field against Israel
Iran’s anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) are generally lesser known but systems were put on display at the Partner 2025 exhibition in Serbia late last month, many of which are based on US weapons.
-
![Development of Serbia’s upgraded Pasars-16 air defence system completed but in limbo]()
Development of Serbia’s upgraded Pasars-16 air defence system completed but in limbo
The standard Pasars mobile air defence system has been in service with the Serbian Army for several years and was developed by the Serbian Military Technical Institute.
-
![Getting the most from open-architecture solutions in defence]()
Getting the most from open-architecture solutions in defence
What are the best practices for maximising the benefits of open-architecture technology for military applications?
-
![Rheinmetall signs $521 million agreement for ammunition as it plans factory in Latvia]()
Rheinmetall signs $521 million agreement for ammunition as it plans factory in Latvia
Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022 and aims to be able to produce up to 1.5 million 155mm artillery shells annually by 2027.
