Business Services

The Benefits of Hiring Exterior Painters

Professional exterior painters can offer a wide range of benefits to homeowners. Not only does a fresh coat of paint increase the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also preserves structural integrity and helps prevent moisture damage. Contact Painter Anchorage AK for professional help.

exterior painting

There are three main areas to consider when painting a home: siding, trim and eaves/soffits. A quality paint should be chosen for each of these areas, as well as a primer.

A fresh coat of paint can transform the look of a home and boost its curb appeal. It’s also a front-line defense against the elements like precipitation and critters. As such, it’s important to find an exterior painting contractor who is not only experienced and skilled in the painting process, but one that is familiar with the issues a house may have, including rot, mildew and water stains.

Before starting on an exterior painting project, contractors should pressure wash surfaces to clear away dirt and debris that could impact the quality of the finished product. This should be done by certified and trained technicians using specific techniques and PSI for each surface type. Then, they can move on to any prep work needed for the surface to be painted. This includes scraping, sanding and priming to prepare the surface for a new coat of paint.

The quality of the paint is another major factor that impacts the cost of a painting project. It is recommended that you hire contractors who use top-rated brands of paint, which will protect your investment and last longer than cheaper products.

In addition to the price of the paint, your contractor will consider other factors that influence the final cost, such as the amount of surface area that needs to be painted, whether or not there is damage that needs repair before painting, and how easy it is to access the surfaces (will special equipment like scaffolding or lifts be needed?). When meeting with potential exterior painters, ask for references and examples of their previous work. This will give you a good idea of their experience level and quality of work.

Aside from a facelift, a new coat of paint can also add value to your home. According to the International House Painting Association, well-maintained homes sell for up to 10 percent more than similar properties. So, if you are thinking of selling your house in the future, keeping your home’s exterior looking fresh and appealing is an excellent way to boost its value and make it more attractive to prospective buyers.

Equipment

Painting a home’s exterior is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It protects the structure from damage, and it helps keep the property valuable. Whether you want to increase your home’s curb appeal or simply give it a fresh new look, professional house painters have the experience and equipment necessary to get the job done right.

There are many different tools that a professional painter will use to complete an outdoor project, including various ladders and extension poles to reach high or awkward places, a power washer to clean surfaces before painting, sandpaper to smooth out imperfections, and a variety of brushes and rollers. Using the right equipment will ensure that your paint job is smooth and even, and that it adheres to the surface properly.

Exterior painting is a time-consuming and complex process, and it’s essential that your chosen painter has the skills and experience to complete the work in a timely manner. Inexperienced painters may underestimate how long it will take to finish a job, leading to delays that can disrupt your daily life. They may also fail to factor in proper drying times, which can cause the finished product to peel or flake.

If you’re hiring a professional to paint your home’s exterior, ask them how they will prepare and protect the surrounding landscaping. They should be able to provide a comprehensive plan that includes details such as how long they will be at your home, when they will arrive, and what steps they will take to protect the area from paint splatter.

Choosing the right type of paint for an exterior project is another important step in ensuring a quality result. A reputable painter will be able to recommend the best option for your building, based on its size, location, and style. For example, oil-based paints are durable and weather-resistant, while water-based paints dry faster but can be more prone to fading and require frequent cleaning.

A new coat of paint can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal, increase its value, and add to your personal style. However, if you’re considering selling your home in the future, an exterior paint job is one of the six most influential factors in a buyer’s decision-making process.

Insurance

The right insurance policies will help minimize the financial risks incurred by your painting business. Often, clients will require that you carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance to protect them from any injuries or damages caused by your painting work. In addition, commercial property insurance will protect your owned or rented office buildings and equipment from damage caused by accidents or natural disasters like fires or floods. Many businesses bundle these insurance policies together into a Business Owners Policy (BOP), which can be more affordable than purchasing each of them separately.

The primary liability risk painters face is third-party bodily injury or property damage due to their painting activities. Accidental paint spills and overspraying, and tripping and falling on ladders or equipment are common causes of third-party claims. Additionally, if a client alleges your company did substandard or poor work, you may be sued for negligence.

Workers’ compensation insurance helps pay for medical bills and lost income if an employee gets hurt while working for your painting business. Most states require that small businesses provide this coverage for their employees.

Commercial auto insurance covers the costs of an auto accident while you or your employees are using a vehicle for business purposes. This is especially important if you have multiple vehicles used for various aspects of your company’s work.

Tools and equipment insurance helps cover the cost of repairs or replacements for your company’s tools and equipment, which can be stolen or damaged by a customer or passerby. This is an essential coverage for any painting business that carries large amounts of expensive equipment.

Errors and omissions insurance, also called professional liability insurance, helps mitigate the financial impact of a claim that your painting services did not meet industry standards or resulted in losses for your client. This type of policy may also protect you from libel or copyright infringement lawsuits.

An independent insurance agent that specializes in the painting contractor niche is an excellent resource to help you find the ideal combination of protection, price and service. They can review your specific company’s unique risks and recommend tailored policies from leading regional and national insurers.

Reputation

In a perfect world, professional painting contractors always perform excellent work for fair prices, and customers never have to deal with shoddy paint jobs. Unfortunately, untrustworthy contractors exist and can rip off homeowners by diluting their products or charging excessive upfront fees. Their shoddy work may look okay at first, but it will eventually lead to fading and peeling, necessitating expensive repairs or repainting. A reputable painting contractor will use only the highest quality paints, primers, and other supplies to guarantee a vibrant and durable finish for years to come.

Finding a reputable contractor is easier than ever thanks to the internet. Researching online reviews and message boards can give you a good idea of what to expect from a particular company. Once you have a few contenders, ask them to provide a detailed scope of work outlining the steps they will take to complete your project. This will help you compare apples-to-apples the different bids you receive and avoid misunderstandings down the road.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a painting company is their commitment to customer service. If you have any concerns or issues with a paint job, a reputable contractor will be happy to address them immediately. This level of dedication and professionalism not only ensures that your project is completed correctly the first time, but also fosters a strong relationship between you and the painting contractor.

If you’re looking to start your own painting business, it’s vital that you choose the right location. Look for areas with growth potential and plenty of new residential and commercial construction projects. You should also focus on establishing a niche for your services. For example, you can specialize in refinishing antique furniture or offer low- to zero-VOC options for eco-friendly properties. Finally, make sure you have the necessary financial resources to begin your venture. It’s generally inadvisable to pay a contractor 100% upfront, so be sure to request a payment schedule that includes reasonable deposits or progress payments and a final balance due upon completion and your satisfaction. Doing so will ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement and protect you from scams or subpar workmanship.

Business Services

Dermal Filler?

Dermal Filler San Diego is a cosmetic treatment that can reduce static wrinkles, dark circles and thin lips. It is usually injected into the soft tissue around the mouth and cheeks using a gel that contains hyaluronic acid.

It is important to choose a plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and skill in order to achieve safe, natural-looking results. The type of dermal filler used varies depending on the problem being treated.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, particularly around the eyes. It can bind many times its own weight in water and helps tissues maintain their structure and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is also used in cosmetic procedures to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, restoring facial volume that has been lost as a result of normal aging or sun exposure. It is injected in the skin using a very fine needle and usually combined with lidocaine for patient comfort. The injections can be quick and effective, and results are generally long-lasting, with some patients reporting results lasting up to a year or more.

Injectable hyaluronic acid is not only great for wrinkles, but it also boosts your skin’s ability to fight off environmental toxins that can cause age-accelerating damage. It fortifies your lipid barrier, which is the top layer of your skin that protects against external irritants. Those irritants include everything from UV rays to pollution, which can all lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as dark spots and dryness. Hyaluronic acid helps to combat this by fortifying your lipid barrier, helping your skin remain less wrinkled, more vibrant and bouncier longer.

The best part about hyaluronic acid is that it is safe for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skins. It’s non-irritating and helps balance your skin’s moisture levels, preventing your oil glands from overcompensating to hydrate the skin. This prevents the overproduction of oils that clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid can be found in all living cells and is a disaccharide polymer that has a large molecular weight and can bind many times its own weight in moisture. Scientists have figured out how to synthesize this compound, and today it is a common ingredient in cosmeceutical products like facial fillers.

Some examples of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are Juvederm and Restylane, which are injected into the face to add volume and decrease fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used intraarticularly to provide pain relief in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee. These injections are performed by an experienced practitioner under strict aseptic conditions, and patients should not perform heavy, weight-bearing activities for 48 hours following the procedure.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that’s found throughout the body in your skin, bones, ligaments, tendons and teeth. It’s essential for good health, but it also helps reduce the signs of aging and improve your appearance. It’s available in many forms, from eye drops and supplements to topical creams and dermal fillers. The best way to get collagen is by getting it from a certified healthcare professional.

There are different types of collagen, and each type performs a specific function. Type I collagen is found in the skin, tendons and ligaments, and provides strength and elasticity. It’s also found in the blood vessels and intestines. It helps wounds heal and keeps the body’s cells healthy. Type II collagen is found in cartilages, which make up the ear and nose, and in some other areas of the body. It’s less flexible, but it’s still very strong. It can be injected in the skin to help reduce scarring and wrinkles.

Type III collagen is a fibrous component of connective tissue, including the skin and bone. It’s also found in tendons, ligaments and the walls of blood vessels. It’s also used to treat sagging skin, as well as a variety of other conditions, such as hernias, joint pain and burns.

Human collagen is most commonly used as a dermal filler, but other types are also available. Polylactic acid is another common option, and it works by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen. It is considered safer than other dermal fillers, and it doesn’t contain any animal products. It can be injected into the skin in small doses, and it can provide long-lasting results. Collagen injections are typically performed by a dermatologist. Some people may experience redness or sensitivity after the procedure, but these effects are usually mild and short-lived. Collagen injections can last up to a year, but they must be repeated at regular intervals. This makes it important to choose a physician who has plenty of experience with this type of treatment. Collagen injections are a safe and effective way to look younger, and they can help you feel more confident in your appearance.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads

PMMA is a synthetic polymer that has many uses, including use as a filler in cosmetic procedures. It is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles or add volume. It is a good choice for patients who want to reduce lines and folds, but are not ready to undergo surgery. Its low cost and easy handling make it a popular option. The injection procedure is quick and painless, and the results last up to one year.

While most dermal fillers are absorbed by the body, PMMA beads do not dissolve and remain in place. They can be used in a variety of facial cosmetic procedures, such as lip augmentation and cheek augmentation. The beads are also useful for treating depressions in the skin caused by scars, injury, or lines. The PMMA beads are typically made from bovine collagen and suspended in a chemical or biocolloidal suspension, such as Artecoll or MetaCrill.

In a recent study, PMMA beads were used to treat chronic prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGTI). The beads were used as part of an antibiotic treatment regimen that included early intervention with a vascular surgeon and surgical excision of the infected area. The antibiotic beads were found to be effective in the treatment of PVGTI, especially in patients with early infections (3 months) and those who had positive Gram’s staining for perigraft fluid or tissue.

The beads are made from monomer MMA and may contain cross-linking monomers, such as ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). They are sized by sieving, and then melted in a hot bath to form a paste. This mixture is then shaped and injected. The melted paste hardens either by a chemical reaction (cold cure) or by energy application (heat-cured).

The PMMA microsphere market is growing rapidly due to increasing demand from emerging economies. The majority of demand is driven by the construction, medical, electronics, and automotive industries. The market is also fueled by the increased investment in these sectors in developing countries. In addition, the growing middle class in these countries is driving demand for cosmetic products. The key players in the market are Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd, Dynea AS, Kuraray Co Ltd, HEYO, Imperial Microspheres, and Lab261.

Microspheres

Microspheres are tiny spherical particles of solid or gel-like material. They are used in a variety of applications, including bond-line spacers for precision optical instruments, syringes and medical devices, tracer particles, and many others. The spherical shape of these particles offers a number of unique advantages. For example, their spherical nature makes them more easily flowable than other types of particles. This also allows them to pass easily over and around each other and on top of surfaces. Additionally, they have a small footprint and can be readily observed and measured with a microscope.

There are several different types of dermal fillers available on the market. These include polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, which are commonly injected into deep lines and wrinkles to smooth them out. This type of treatment is usually permanent, but it may require several sessions to achieve the desired results. Another option is autologous fat injections, which use fat from another area of your body.

Besides providing cosmetic enhancement, these dermal fillers are useful in promoting tissue growth and healing. This is achieved by the release of bioactive substances from the microspheres. These substances can be derived from natural sources or synthetically made. The chirality of the matrix and size of the microspheres also influence their biological functions. For example, a spherical gel made from PLLA microspheres showed fewer inflammation reactions and promoted the regeneration of collagen than a commercially available Crush gel.

In addition to enhancing skin repair, hydrogel microspheres can carry drugs and other active ingredients. This helps to ensure that the treatment is effective and free of side effects. This is particularly important for chronic wounds.

The spherical structure of these microspheres also allows them to withstand shear stress without collapsing or breaking. This property is extremely beneficial for biomedical applications, such as drug-delivery vehicles and bone-filling formulations.

PSL’s MicroSphere Refiner (MSR) technology has been developed to overcome well-known issues with microsphere scale-up for pharmaceutical manufacturers. This is done through a Quality-by-Design approach. This approach combines microspheres characteristics and processing behaviour to predict the performance of a given batch. It has been successfully utilised in the development of well-known PLGA microsphere drugs including Risperidone, Exenatide, Leuprolide, Octreotide and Naltrexone.

Business Services

What Is Botox?

SD Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to give the face a more youthful, refreshed appearance. It is also used to treat neck spasms (cervical dystonia), excessive sweating, and lazy eyes.

It works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles that cause them to contract. It is safe for most people and is administered by a trained professional.

Botox is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure that can be used to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and other wrinkles on the face. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, which reduces muscle movement and relaxes the wrinkled areas. It is most commonly injected into the forehead, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and around the eyes to smooth out creases. It is not a permanent solution, and it will eventually wear off. The injections are quick, non-surgical, and can be performed during an office visit.

Before you decide to have the injections done, be sure to choose a qualified practitioner. Make sure they are registered with a recognised medical body to show that they meet the set standards in training, skill and insurance. Also, be aware that botulinum toxin can only be prescribed in a face-to-face meeting by a doctor, dentist, pharmacist prescriber or nurse prescriber. You can also ask for before and after photos of their previous patients.

The Botox injections are safe for almost everyone and can be used by people of all ages. However, the procedure is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not a good idea to use the injections if you have a neuromuscular disorder, such as cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis.

During the procedure, your provider will use a thin needle to inject 3-5 small doses of botulinum toxin type A into the targeted area. For example, they may inject 3 injections on each side of your eyes to smooth out crow’s feet. The treatment usually takes about 10 minutes.

After the injections, you can go home. You might have a few bumps or bruising in the injection sites, which should disappear within 24-48 hours. You should avoid exercising or putting pressure on the treated area until the bruising and swelling go away.

The effects of Botox last approximately 3-4 months, but it can vary. Regular follow-up sessions are necessary to maintain desired results. It is possible to develop antibodies to Botox, which can cause the treatment to lose its effectiveness over time.

It is a medical procedure

Botox injections are a common medical procedure used to reduce wrinkles and treat many other conditions. The medicine works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting for a short period of time. The effects last about three to six months. Although the shots are used mainly for cosmetic purposes, they can also help with problems like neck spasms, overactive bladder, and lazy eye. They can even be used to prevent migraines.

The injections are quick and easy, requiring little or no downtime. In general, they take less than 30 minutes to perform. Injections are injected into the targeted area using a fine needle. The doctor may use a topical anesthetic to numb the skin before administering the shots. The doctor may also inject the medication into the muscle directly, but this is less common.

Local side effects of Botox can include pain, redness, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are usually temporary and can be minimized by applying ice packs to the injection site after treatment. Some people develop antibodies to the Botox, causing the medication to become less effective over time.

The toxin in Botox is a neurotoxin, and it affects the way that your body’s muscles move. It essentially turns off the signal from the nerve to the muscle, and it selectively blocks the movement of certain facial muscles. This results in a smoother, more youthful appearance, and it can be a great option for reducing the lines around your forehead or eyes.

Botox lasts for about four months before it wears off, and it is necessary to have regular treatments to keep the results from wearing off too soon. It is important to use only a qualified and licensed health care provider to administer the injections. This will ensure that you are receiving the correct dosage and that the injections will be administered correctly. The wrong dose can cause a serious and life-threatening condition called botulism.

Botox can be dangerous if not administered properly. If the needle punctures the skin or the drug is injected into areas other than the intended target, it can result in excessive paralysis. In some cases, this can lead to a “frozen face” look that takes several months to return to normal.

It is a nonsurgical procedure

A safe and effective treatment for many facial conditions, Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the country. It reduces or eliminates wrinkles in the forehead and crow’s feet area around the eyes. It can also be used to reduce thick bands in the neck, gummy smiles and lip lines. It is a noninvasive treatment that can be performed quickly. A patient may experience some minor pain during the injection process.

The substance that makes up Botox is a neurotoxin, which blocks nerve impulses to muscle cells. This causes the muscles to relax, and wrinkles soften. It also treats specific eye muscle conditions, such as uncontrolled blinking (benign essential blepharospasm) and a condition where the eyes do not point in the same direction (strabismus).

Botox is derived from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which has the ability to paralyze nerves. The cosmetic version of the treatment uses only a small amount of the toxin, which has been purified and tested for safety. The toxin works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger, acetylcholine, at the junction between nerve endings and muscle cells. This causes the muscles to shorten and contract. When injected into the skin, Botox can soften frown lines and creases in the forehead and crow’s eyes, resulting in a less angry or worried appearance.

Another important function of the toxin is that it can prevent excessive sweating, which is a common disorder in people with certain medical problems. It is also used to treat severe underarm sweating in adults, and it can be used as an alternative to oral medications in those who have a difficult time taking them or are allergic to other anticholinergic drugs.

Before receiving a Botox injection, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor. This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners. This is because the medication can increase the risk of bruising at the injection site. Bruising is usually mild and resolves in a few days.

Botox is a quick and easy procedure. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes and does not require any anesthesia. It is injected into the targeted areas using an injector pen that contains a small amount of the toxin. The area is numbed with a cold pack or topical cream before the injections are made. Injections can cause minor pain, which only lasts for a few seconds. Patients can use an ice pack after treatment to reduce any soreness.

It is a painless procedure

The Botox procedure is an effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also an excellent option for people who are not ready to commit to invasive surgical procedures. The injections are safe, convenient and relatively painless. However, it is important to choose an experienced medical professional to minimize the risk of side effects. It is recommended to avoid exercise and consuming alcohol on the day of the treatment. This will prevent the blood vessels in the face from dilating, which could cause bleeding or bruising.

In addition to smoothing out wrinkles, Botox is used for a variety of medical purposes, including preventing muscle spasms and relieving migraine headaches. It is even effective in treating cervical dystonia, a painful condition that causes the neck muscles to contract uncontrollably.

Many people are hesitant to get Botox because they fear it will hurt. While it is true that needles can be painful, the discomfort associated with the Botox injection is minimal. The skin is first coated with a topical anesthetic cream to numb it. Then, several tiny injections are administered into the targeted area.

Some people experience pain at the injection site, especially if they are prone to sensitive skin. The doctor may also use a cooling spray to help ease this pain. However, the pain is usually linked to the needle and not to the action of the medication itself.

Other less common side effects include droopy eyelids and headaches. These side effects are generally linked to the drug spreading to areas other than the intended target area. Inexperienced or careless injectors may inject the medication into parts of the face that do not need it, such as the brows or eyelids. These mistakes can result in an undesirable, frozen look that will take a few months to correct. It is also important to tell the physician or nurse if you have any allergies or other medical conditions before receiving the injections. You should also tell them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The medicine is made from donated plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents.

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Heavy Equipment Mechanics Love Working on Humvees

Humvee Interior, or HMMWV as it is known in military terms, has become a staple of modern warfare globally. It is also a popular choice for heavy equipment mechanics to work on.

AM General designed the vehicle to be easily deployed. It can be dropped from low-flying aircraft, or airlifted to frontline soldiers.

The military’s Humvees are so recognizable that they’re practically pop culture icons. These tough little trucks are the perfect mix of no-nonsense practicality and combat expertise. They have conquered mud, rocks, sand, and snow and are a stalwart of the Army’s wheeled fleet. From hauling cargo to evacuating wounded troops, they can do it all.

The Army began looking for a new light tactical vehicle to replace its old Jeeps in 1979. They wanted a truck with a lot of capabilities that could do whatever the troops needed in the field. They awarded AM General, Chrysler Defense, and Teledyne Continental prototype contracts to design a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, which would later become known as the Humvee. AM General won the contract and they began working on their first prototypes in 1981 with development and testing continuing throughout 1982.

As the first generation of Humvees rolled out, they proved extremely popular with soldiers. They were like Jeeps on steroids, with more room and capabilities for both people and equipment. They were used as cargo and troop carriers; ambulances; towing vehicles for tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles; and even a mobile command center. They became an icon during the Gulf War and a symbol of America’s might.

Despite their popularity with troops, Humvees did have some problems. The most prominent problem was that they were easy targets for roadside bombs. Over 67 US service members who traveled in Humvees were killed in the first four months of 2006, when the Iraqi insurgency was at its height. The military responded by ordering thousands of armour kits that would add more protection to the existing Humvees. These upgrades were not enough to fend off the bombs, though.

The other big issue was power. The original HMMWVs were powered by a 6.2L Detroit diesel engine, which was slow on top-end speed and underpowered overall for such a large truck. It’s no surprise then that many modifications have added armor, guns, turrets, and other additions to the Humvee. They’ve also had their engines upgraded to make them more powerful and faster.

Design

In the early 1980s, the US military was in need of a new fleet of light vehicles to replace older Jeeps and other trucks. They also needed a vehicle to carry infantry into battle in support of armor, so the design competition for what became the Humvee began.

The Humvee is a very capable vehicle for its size, able to drive over rocky terrain and cross water with ease. The chassis is constructed of a combination of aluminum and steel, with four-wheel drive and independent suspension. It is built to withstand a lot of punishment and can travel up to 70mph on the highway.

HMMWVs are very versatile and can be equipped with a variety of different accessories. They can be outfitted with turrets, guns and missiles to suit the mission at hand. They can also be fitted with cargo containers or other storage systems.

In addition, HMMWVs are very air transportable. They can be sling-loaded from helicopters or transported in large numbers by C-130 Hercules and C-5A Galaxy transport aircraft. In fact, three HMMWVs can fit in a Hercules and 15 in a Galaxy.

The original Humvees were designed to be jack-of-all-trades, so they have a wide stance and are fairly tall for their class. This makes them difficult to roll over and provides great stability. They also have a lot of ground clearance, so they can go over rough terrain with ease.

Originally, the Humvees were powered by a 6.2L Detroit diesel engine. This is not the most powerful engine in the world, but it does the job and doesn’t need to be upgraded too often.

Over the years, improvements have been made to the HMMWV’s design. The current model is called the HMMWV Saber and features technology that allows it to protect its occupants from blast threats as well as kinetic energy attacks. It can be adapted for many different missions and is extremely reliable. It also saves on fuel and maintenance costs. The HMMWV Saber is also more agile than previous models, making it the perfect modern military vehicle.

Modifications

The Humvee, or HMMWV, is the main vehicle for U.S. troops deployed in overseas operations, but it also has a wide following of foreign military units. More than 60 countries operate a total of 250,000 of the armored vehicles, with the Army operating more than 100,000 and the Marines operating about 24,000. The company that manufactures the Humvee, AM General, is busy working on a wide variety of variants. In a contract modification to an original award, Ricardo Defense has been awarded a $385.6 million contract to supply anti-lock braking and electronic stability control retrofit kits for the vehicle.

The original 1983 Humvee was designed to be easily reconfigured into three different types of vehicles: a weapons carrier, utility vehicle and field ambulance. Within each of these are many variations that will haul people, gear and cargo; carry out front-line reconnaissance patrols; or function as a modular command-and-control center.

This modular design, with its interchangeable body kits, allows the basic vehicle to be quickly converted into any of these configurations by adding or removing components. In addition, the fully enclosed vehicle interior provided a secure environment to mount a wide range of light to heavy weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers as well as a deadly TOW antitank missile.

In response to the violence spawned by the initial insurgency in Iraq, the HMMWV underwent an upgrade to become an ECV or Expanded Capacity Vehicle. Known as the M1114 for Army and Marine vehicles, the modified Humvee is equipped with extra armor for increased protection from mines and IEDs. It features a 6.5-liter turbo diesel engine, up-armored panels and extra rigidity.

The new HMMWV also has a plethora of options for the user to customize it according to his or her specific needs, such as integrating communications equipment and installing a computer system that can act as a mobile command-and-control center. The vehicle is even used in extreme racing competitions, with the most famous example being the Baja 1000 race won by Gale Banks in a custom-built Humvee. For those who want to make their own HMMWV more nimble, there are companies such as Banks Motorsports that offer a variety of engine and suspension modifications.

Production

The Humvee is the most recognizable military vehicle in the world. It has 15 configurations, including cargo/troop carriers, weapons carriers, ambulances, and shelter carriers. Each uses a common chassis, engine, and transmission with 44 interchangeable parts. The vehicle is capable of mounting a gun turret equipped with a.50-cal machine gun or a Mark-19 automatic grenade launcher. The vehicle can also be fitted with an armored hull that protects the crew from small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and mines.

During the Persian Gulf War, the Humvee became popular among soldiers and the general public, thanks to the fact that the war was broadcast nearly nonstop on television. Although the Humvee is an incredibly versatile vehicle, its original design was not intended to carry people. The Army needed a way to transport soldiers in support of armored units, and the Humvee was an ideal solution.

In addition to the 15 basic models, the Humvee has been adapted for use by law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and special forces. These vehicles are often outfitted with advanced equipment, including surveillance systems and night vision devices. Some have even been fitted with mini-rockets, which can be launched from the vehicle to provide cover during air strikes or bomb attacks.

The Humvee has been used in numerous combat missions, but it is now beginning to be phased out. The military is pursuing several initiatives to replace it, including using commercial off-the-shelf vehicles in the interim (MRAPs), and designing its own long-term replacement, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

While the JLTV will likely not be as powerful or rugged as the Humvee, it will still offer more flexibility than the older vehicle. For example, it will be capable of carrying heavier loads than the Humvee, which can make a significant difference in an engagement when hauling ammunition or supplies.

As the JLTV comes into production, AM General will continue to manufacture the Humvee at its facility in Mishawaka, Indiana. The company will partner with a number of component and subsystem vendors, including Oshkosh, to ensure the JLTV is available in a variety of options for the military. AM General will also be exploring a range of powertrain options, including lithium batteries.