High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE)

The High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) program is designed to enhance the Army's operational capabilities by providing advanced engineering equipment for mobility and construction tasks. The primary goal is to equip Airborne, Construction, and Combat Engineer units with tools for light earthmoving, loading, and excavation operations. These operations are crucial for airfield and road repair, bridge site preparation, and base camp sustainment. The HMEE is a self-deployable system capable of high-speed travel on various road types, ensuring it can keep pace with current and future combat systems.

A key objective of the HMEE program is to support Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations, such as disaster relief efforts. Classified as a Critical Dual Use (CDU) system, the HMEE serves both military and civilian purposes. To enhance its utility in diverse environments, it can be equipped with a Crew Protection Kit (CPK), providing additional armor for Airborne Units. This adaptability allows the HMEE to be air-dropped from C-17 aircraft using a Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD) Kit, making it suitable for rapid deployment in various operational scenarios.

The program also focuses on technological advancements through upgrades like the Electrical Over Hydraulic (EOH) system integrated into the HMEE-IV configuration. This upgrade enables remote operations and semi-autonomy, enhancing functionality in complex environments. The HMEE-IV maintains the same excavation capabilities and high travel speeds as its predecessor while incorporating these modern enhancements. Additionally, the program aims to meet an Army Acquisition Objective of 1,998 units across different configurations to ensure comprehensive coverage of engineering needs.

The High Mobility Engineer Excavator Type III (HMEE-III) variant serves as a Backhoe Loader (BHL), providing general construction capabilities with minor military modifications. This variant is fielded to Horizontal and Vertical Construction Companies and other non-engineer units within the Army training base. Although no longer in production, the BHL remains an integral part of the Army's construction equipment inventory, supporting road building and airfield construction tasks with its ability to accept a replaceable armored cab for contingency operations.