Hendrick Dynamics "Commando" (modified Jeep)

[Slater]

Does the Army actually have a requirement for something like this?:

http://www.commandousa.com/


Hendrick Commando® is an ultralight tactical vehicle prepared through rigorous operator input and fielding in austere conditions to support small unit dominance. Built by Hendrick Dynamics, Commando is distinguished by its safety, versatility, and affordability. Hendrick Commando is a COTS item, uses JP-8 and all diesel fuels, is validated for cross-country mobility, completed safety evaluation, and is certified for helicopter internal air transport. Hendrick Commando can affordably perform a broad array of missions in diverse terrain. Blending the agility of a side-by-side with the strength of a full-size truck; the combination delivered is unique among US military vehicles. We call this Agile Strength™ for demanding operators.

[THCDDM4]

Does the Army actually have a requirement for something like this?:

http://www.commandousa.com/

I'd sure as hell like one!

[Lee Indy]

there is a bunch of these in israel on boarder patrol. theyre is a build agreement for just them that changes it drastically. like leaf springs and some other odd ball stuff to fit there needs.

[soulezoo]

Me likey.

I'll take the one in the picture as equipped...

[wildcard600]

With the unknown updates of the Jeep JL next year (possibly losing removable top, among other things) I wonder how this will shake out for them long term.

[interfan]

The Marine Corps tried the COTS approach with the IFAV (http://advancedvehiclesystems.com/military.aspx) (Mercedes Gelaendewagen) back in the early 2000's. It was capable, mobile, and checked the boxes for a good COTS, but wasn't armored very well and was pretty terrible against IEDs. Practical up-armoring couldn't be done to aid survivability much either, since the weight then becomes a major problem with both engine (2.9 prechamber diesel or 2.7 CDI) and chassis. Foreign militaries also encountered the same issues. The Commando may have the ghost of the IFAV to contend with for any wide adoption. The practical use would be where a smaller footprint is required.

[Ick]

I am completely uninformed... but it doesn't seem like the machine is substantial enough to me.

However, I will take one as of last Friday before the snow hit and I was almost trapped in Philadelphia.

[Big A]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/9b786654589417e9ebe728305c0c72f5.jpg

Yes please.

[MistWolf]

This is one of those things that makes me regret being poor. To hell with trying to justify a requirement for a Hendrick Dynamics Commando, I WANT one. Make that two so I don't have to arm wrestle the wife for the keys

[wildcard600]

Other than the diesel, there really isn't much functional stuff on these things that would be relevant in non military application.

Much cheaper to just buy a JK and do some mods.

But it does look pretty cool.

[Big A]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/9b786654589417e9ebe728305c0c72f5.jpg

Yes please.

So my wish of a Jeep pickup may soon be granted, apparently Jeep is listening to the market and decided to make a pickup version and revived the old Scrambler name for it:
http://gas2.org/2015/11/19/2017-jeep-pickup-confirmed/

There is also a link in the article for Ford fans discussing the new Ranger and Bronco.

:cool:

[JackFanToM]

I thought the Willy's were cute, but impractical except for driving to and fro on bases and such. I look at that and it has 4 seats, and I think there is no damn way to cram me and 3 other guys my size in that thing with our gear. Is it quite a bit faster than a HumVee? That would really be the only reason I could see to add it, is if its fast, can be carried by a variety of other vehicles, and is used when speed is more important than numbers or armor.

On a personal note, haven't had much luck or love for Jeep products lately. The Jeep Grand Cherokee I own currently is a hunk of garbage. It seems at around the 75k miles mark the Jeep decided to come apart. The steering on every Jeep I have ever driven has too much play in it, and they just don't feel solidly built. I know part of this is my other vehicle is a Xterra Pro 4x, and that thing feels like a tank and has way more power, pick up, and speed than the Jeep...oddly the mpg is roughly the same...think the Xterra is quite a bit heavier but I don't know for sure.

[brickboy240]

Yep, the overall build quality of Chrysler products in general never made me want a Jeep.

Then there is the fact that they ride rough, are noisy on the freeway and don't really get much better mileage than a V8 full size pickup. You also cannot tow much with them and I cannot fit my muddy ATV in the back like I can the full size pickup.

Sure...they look cool, but my ATV was cheaper, can go more places, and requires less maintenance.

Jeeps look great but the V8 full size pickup is actually more practical.