XR311

Development

Development of the XR311 commenced as a private venture in 1969, with the first of two prototypes being completed in 1970. The vehicle was developed as a possible replacement for the by that time over ten years old M151 jeep, years prior to the Lamborghini Cheetah and other competitors, including AM General's design for the HMMWV, which was eventually selected. As a result of the trials of these two prototypes the US Army purchased ten improved or second generation models in 1971. Of these ten vehicles, four had a TOW missile installation for use in the anti-tank/AFV role, three had an M2HB machine-gun for use in the reconnaissance role and three had 7.62mm M60 machine guns and the crew armor kit for use in the escort/security role. These trials were completed in 1972. They were then tested by the 2nd Armored Division. In 1974 they were also tested in the 2nd Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle competition along with a number of vehicles including the original FMC Technologies and Lockheed Martin designs. It has been stated that an XR311 with TOW missile installation cost around $50,000. The XR311 was designed to carry out a wide variety of roles including anti-tank, reconnaissance patrol, convoy escort, command and control, medivac, military police, mortar carrier, internal security and forward air defense communications vehicle.