US Army selects Allison Transmission for M88A3 prototypes
This picture shows the M88A3 HERCULES recovery vehicle. (Photo: US Army)
Allison Transmission will provide the X1100TM-5B propulsion solution for the US Army’s new M88A3
HERCULES prototype vehicle.
Allison Transmission announced on 7 July that it will provide the X1100TM-5B propulsion solution for the US Army’s new M88A3 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) prototype vehicle.
In addition to the transmission, Allison will provide a new advanced electronic controls system as well as new final-drive components. This initiative represents more than $37 million in engineering design, development, fabrication, testing and demonstration funds through 2023.
A decision by the army to transition to production is expected in early 2024. Currently, there are more than 900 M88 vehicles in the service’s inventory.
Today, the M1A2 Abrams MBT requires two M88A2 heavy tracked recovery vehicles to tow the vehicle. The branch’s modernisation programme intends to regain single-vehicle recovery.
Allison’s X1100-5B is a reliable, durable propulsion system based on the proven Abrams drivetrain solution.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal]()
Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal
The selection of Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo long-range precision fires system, with a contract expected to be signed on 30 January, makes Norway the second European country to choose the system. It is expected an operational system will be in service within four years.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
