BAE Systems to upgrade Hercules vehicles for US Army
BAE Systems has been awarded a $318 million contract to upgrade M88 recovery vehicles for the US Army.
The vehicles will be upgraded to the M88A3 configuration designed for single-vehicle recovery of the latest version of the Abrams tank. The new M88A3 configuration eliminates the necessity of using two vehicles to raise and move the tanks, which have increased in weight in recent years.
The M88A3 configuration features an upgraded powertrain, suspension and tracks, increasing the vehicle’s speed, survivability and reliability. The vehicle also features a seventh road wheel to reduce ground pressure and new hydropneumatic suspension units that enable the track to be locked out for greater control when recovering vehicles.
Dennis Hancock, recovery programs director for BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business, said: ‘As the US Army’s primary recovery vehicle, the M88 plays a critical role in the army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team.
‘We have partnered closely with the army and industry partners to develop a solution that addresses the single-vehicle recovery gap. We are proud to continue to support the army’s recovery needs by providing a next-generation solution to effectively rescue disabled tanks from the battlefield.’
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