July 2011: USA Orders 45 Remanufactured M88A2 HERCULES ARVs

Latest updates: Original Pentagon release was in error, omitted key points. M88 & M1: Need a tow?(click to view full) The M88 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Life Evacuation System) tracked armored recovery vehicle is built on a unique chassis modified from the previous-generation M60 Patton tank, and can tow or winch any American vehicle out of trouble, up to and including the 70-ton M1 Abrams battle tank. They also carry a hoist and boom with up to 35 ton capacity, for operations like engine changes in the field. Production of the much-improved M88A2 variant began in 1994, and has continued steadily. HERCULES ARVs serve in a number of countries. Iraq is the latest addition to the type’s operating roster, via refurbishment of former US Army vehicles. In July 2011, the US military ordered more. Aug 2/11: BAE Systems issues a release with different figures. Consultation reveals that these are the correct figures, and the Pentagon release was wrong. BAE will actually supply 45 M88A2 HERCULES vehicles for $108.4 million: 29 for the U.S. Army, and 16 for the U.S. Marine Corps. These deliveries will involve remanufactured hulls, supplied by the US government. Vehicle deliveries will run from April […]