JCB HMEE
Backhoe loader
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The JCB HMEE (High Mobility Engineer Excavator) is a military engineering vehicle made by JCB.[6]
TypeBackhoe loader
PlaceoforiginUnited Kingdom
United States
United States
UsedbyAustralia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States
| JCB HMEE | |
|---|---|
HMEE with slat armor | |
| Type | Backhoe loader |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | JCB |
| Produced | 2007–present[1] |
| No. built | >900 (as of 2020)[2] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length | 9.45 to 10.10 m (372 to 398 in) 6x6: 6.9 m (270 in) |
| Width | 2.44 m (96 in) (shovel) 2.95 m (116 in) (with armour) |
| Height | 3.89 m (153 in) (driving) 2.67 m (105 in) (for transport) |
| Crew | 1 or 2 |
| Armor |
|
| Engine | Cummins 6.7 QSB 149 kW (203 PS) 705 N⋅m (520 lb⋅ft) |
| Transmission | ZF Ergopower transmission (6 gears forward, 2 backwards) |
| Ground clearance | 0.4 m (16 in) |
Operational range | 650 km (400 mi) 180 L (48 US gal) of fuel |
| Maximum speed | |
Design
The HMEE is an armoured backhoe loader designed for high speeds in order to self-deploy with military convoys. Most backhoes are limited to much lower speeds.[7] It is also capable of towing heavy loads and has good off-road mobility. It is based on technology from the JCB Fastrac tractors.[8]
The programme started in 2003. JCB used technologies of the JCB 4CX backhoe Loader and the Fastrac tractors to develop this system.[9]
The HMEE is built at JCB's plant in Pooler, Georgia, integrating armour made by American Defense Systems (ASDI).[10]
Users
Current operators
Australia (10)- Ordered in two batches, 6, which were delivered by 2012.[11] A further order for four machines took place in 2017.[12]
Belgium (4)- As part of the programme ACEV (Armoured Combat Engineer Vehicle), JCB won a contract of €5 million to supply 4 HMEE in December 2020.[13]
Denmark (6)- 6 machines received in March 2020.[14][15]
Germany (1)- 7 were purchased in 2013.[16]
- 6 were donated to Ukraine as aid in its war against the Russian Invasion.[17]
Ireland (1)- 1 purchased, and used for the UNIFIL mission of the Army.[18]
Israel (unknown quantity)
New Zealand (6)- The Army received 6 vehicles in 2011.[19]
Spain (10 in service, 42 on order)- The Spanish Army received a first batch of 2 HMEE with the armour B-kit, in July 2018, after an order in 2017.[20][21] In 2024, two batches of 4 HMEE were delivered as a part of an order of 50 of these machines placed in 2023.[22][23]
Sweden (10)- The FMV ordered 10 HMEE in 2008, for an entry in service in 2012.[24]
Ukraine (6)- 6 donated by Germany.[17][25]
United Arab Emirates (unknown)- Unknown quantity.[26]
United Kingdom (17)- The British Army placed an order for 4 HMEE in 2008 for its use in Afghanistan (£7 million).[24]
- 13 vehicles ordered by the British Army in 2010.[27]
United States (around 1,600)- In 2005, JCB was selected to produce what at the time was estimated to be 636 machines for $209 million.[28] Firm orders:
- 2008: $229 million for 800 HMEE, as the first production contract.[29]
- June 2014: second production order, with a contract valued at $50 million (unknown quantity).[30][31]
- September 2017: 98 ($36.3 million)[32][26]
- September 2018: contract extension for 180 more HMEE[28]
- July 2020: 400 HMEE for the US Armed Forces ($269 million), delivery over 8 years.[33]
