The JCB HMEE (High Mobility Engineer Excavator) is a military engineering vehicle made by JCB.[1]
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.[2] It is also capable of towing heavy loads and has good off-road mobility. It is based on technology from the JCB Fastrac tractors.[3]
The HMEE is built at JCB's plant in Pooler, Georgia, integrating armour made by American Defense Systems (ASDI).[4]
Engine: Cummins QSB 6.7
Weight: 16.18 tonnes (35,700 lb) armoured, 13.5 tonnes (30,000 lb) unarmoured
Speed: Up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h)
Australian Army: 8 vehicles[6]
Belgian Army: ~4 vehicles[7]
British Army: 17 vehicles[8]
German Army: 7 vehicles[9]
Danish Army: 6 vehicles
Irish Defence Forces : 1 vehicle[10]
Israel Defense Forces[11][12]
New Zealand Army: 6 vehicles[13]
Spanish Army: 4 vehicles[citation needed]
Swedish Army: 22 vehicles[14]
US Army: 800 vehicles[15]
