BAE Systems to upgrade additional M88A1 vehicles
BAE Systems will upgrade additional M88A1 Medium Recovery vehicles to the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES) configuration under a $28.7 million contract from the US armed forces.
The contract will see the company convert 11 M88A1 vehicles into the HERCULES configuration. The M88A2 offers operational and logistical commonality with the existing M88A1 fleet, providing simplified training and parts availability benefits.
The upgrade work will bring the vehicles improved power-assisted braking, steering, winching, hoisting, and increased horsepower; and according to the company, HERCULES has the lowest acquisition, operational and maintenance cost of any 70-ton capable recovery system, bringing users cost-effective, self-supporting heavy recovery capabilities.
Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager for Armored Combat Systems at BAE Systems, said: ’The M88A2 is able to hoist and tow twice the weight than that of an M88A1, including an M1 Abrams tank, and is an essential component in helping our armed forces to fulfil successful recovery missions. This contract demonstrates the continued need to invest in the HERCULES and shows the army’s commitment to the irreplaceable role it serves.’
To date, 575 HERCULES vehicles have been fielded against an overall US Army requirement of 632 vehicles, and a total of 84 vehicles have been fielded to the US Marine Corps. Vehicles upgraded under this contract, awarded by the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, are scheduled to be complete by March 2014.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
![NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks]()
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
