These Are the Most Expensive Military Vehicles in Service Today
9. M104 Wolverine – USA
Manufacturers: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and General Dynamics Land Systems
Main Users: United States Army
Program Cost: $400 million*
Unit Cost: $17.2 million*
The M104 Wolverine is one of the more intriguing vehicles in military service, often described as a "gigantic bridge on wheels." This armored bridge system is designed to be launched from a vehicle, allowing it to be deployed quickly to traverse challenging terrain during combat operations.
Since the 1960s, the U.S. Army has utilized vehicles of this type, recognizing their importance in facilitating movement across obstacles such as rivers, ravines, and other difficult landscapes. The M104 Wolverine not only enhances the mobility of ground forces but also plays a crucial role in maintaining logistical support during operations.
M104 Wolverine (USA)
Source: Commons.wikimedia.org/public domain
The M104 Wolverine features a remarkable sixty-foot Leguan bridge that is capable of supporting a seventy-ton truck traveling at speeds of up to ten miles per hour once deployed. This impressive capability ensures that even the heaviest U.S. military vehicles can navigate obstacles such as craters, ditches, sand traps, and destroyed bridges at combat speed.
The ability to quickly and effectively cross challenging terrain significantly enhances the operational flexibility of the Army's armored forces. By facilitating rapid movement across obstacles, the Wolverine plays a crucial role in maintaining momentum during military operations, allowing units to respond swiftly to changing battlefield conditions.
