M88A3 prototypes to reach US Army in 2022
M88A3 armoured recovery vehicle. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems announced on 21 December that it recently obtained a $79 million contract from the US Army under the M88A3 prototype programme.
The first prototype M88A3 armoured recovery vehicles will be delivered to the US Army in 2022 for testing and evaluation, bringing this critical capability one step closer to entering service.
‘The new M88A3 configuration eliminates the necessity of using two vehicles to recover and evacuate Abrams tanks, addressing the Army’s current single-vehicle recovery gap,’ BAE Systems noted in a statement.
Upgraded features on the M88A3 include a modernised powertrain with increased horsepower and torque, as well as the inclusion of a seventh road-wheel to increase traction.
Also included are hydro-pneumatic suspension units for improved cross-country mobility and recovery operations.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Thales to supply 500 of its new Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radios to a NATO country
The newly disclosed Thales UK Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radio (VMSR) offers full interoperability with the soldier radio variant to provide secure and reliable voice connection.
-
Pearson Engineering to supply mine ploughs and dozer blades for Polish Abrams tanks
The contract follows news released in 2023 that a first customer had taken into service Pearson Engineering’s new Slice system enabling the interoperability of Front-End Equipment (FEE) between main battle tanks and dedicated engineering vehicles.
-
Sweden to receive production Archer howitzers next year with capability expected in 2030
When compared to some other wheeled artillery systems Archer has the advantage of quicker deployment and relocation as the complete fire mission is carried out without the crew leaving the protected cab at the front.
-
Aselsan successfully tests Gökberk system against FPV drones
The system had been previously proven to work against rotary and fixed-wing kamikaze drones, with Aselsan now working on new capabilities for Gökberk to counter UAV swarms.