FMC XR311

The FMC XR311 was an American prototype military vehicle, first developed as the High Mobility Combat Vehicle, or HMCV. FMC began the work as a private venture in 1969 and completed the first of two prototypes in 1970. It was meant as a possible replacement for the by then ageing M151 jeep, years before AM General's design for the HMMWV was eventually chosen, and after trials of the two prototypes the US Army bought ten improved second generation vehicles in 1971. Four carried a TOW missile installation for the anti-tank role, three an M2HB machine gun for reconnaissance and three M60 machine guns with a crew armor kit for escort and security work. The vehicle used a tubular steel roll cage, full-time four-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an automatic transmission, and it could be air-transported and air-dropped. Trials ran to 1972 and the XR311 also competed in the 1974 scout vehicle tests, but it was procured only in limited numbers.