BAE Systems to upgrade more M88A1s

BAE Systems will upgrade 43 M88A1 heavy-lift vehicles for the US Army under a $148.3 million contract announced on 9 October.

The upgrades will enhance the vehicle’s capability to evacuate damaged or stranded combat vehicles from the battlefield. This continues the upgrade of the M88A1 to the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift System (HERCULES) configuration to increase power, manoeuvrability and survivability.

The more capable M88A2 tows, hoists and winches 70-ton tracked vehicles used by the Armored Brigade Combat Team. With increased horsepower and upgraded armour protection including armoured track skirts and applique armour panels, the M88A2 can manoeuvre more quickly and get a 70 ton stranded vehicle – and its crew – to safety.

The execution of this contract will increase the total procured quantity of the M88A2 capability to 914.  The army aims to field 933 M88A2 vehicles in total.

Deliveries are to begin in February of 2021.