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    Converted military vehicle protects against radiation, chemical and biological contaminants

    Jan. 18, 2005
    First it was the Jeep, then the Hummer, now consumers have the opportunity to own an even bigger military conversion vehicle. Against the backdrop of concerns over possible terrorist strikes in the U.S., Homeland Defense Vehicles LLC, has introduced a vehicle that can be equipped to protect its occupants against nuclear radiation from dirty bombs and chemical and biological agents that terrorists might use.

    First it was the Jeep, then the Hummer, now consumers have the opportunity to own an even bigger military conversion vehicle. Against the backdrop of concerns over possible terrorist strikes in the U.S., Homeland Defense Vehicles LLC, has introduced a vehicle that can be equipped to protect its occupants against nuclear radiation from dirty bombs and chemical and biological agents that terrorists might use.

    The Bad Boy Heavy Muscle Truck is a luxury version of the highly reliable Medium Tactical Vehicle that is used by the U.S. Army and manufactured by Stewart & Stevenson in Sealy, Texas. Weighing in at just over 13,000 pounds, the 275 horsepower Bad Boy HMT retains the features of its military pedigree. It is 21 feet long, 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and has ample room for three adult passengers in the cab.

    The all-wheel drive configuration can safely run at freeway speeds, carrying a 5,000-pound payload. Off-road, its military specification delivers a 22-inch ground clearance and the capability to climb grades as steep as 60 percent with its load. It can even operate in up to 60 inches of water.

    The truck comes equipped with a Central Tire Inflation System that enables the truck to travel easily off road, in mud or snow. The tire system can also keep the tire inflated even if it has a hole the size of a quarter in the sidewall.

    Equipped with a 58-gallon tank for diesel fuel, the truck can carry passengers 400+ miles, depending upon the payload.

    For people who want the ultimate in security and protection, Homeland Defense Vehicles offer the Bad Boy HMT with an optional cabin filtration system designed to protect occupants against nuclear fallout, biological contaminants and chemical agents by over-pressurizing the cab with filtered, clean air.

    Homeland Defense Vehicles hopes to sell 50 Bad Boy HMTs in 2005. The price tag for the Bad Boy ranges from under $200,000 to $750,000, with the higher price tag for a model equipped with the full nuclear, chemical and biological detection and protection package.