M88A2 Hercules – Photos & Video

Photo gallery of a M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle, The M88 Recovery Vehicle is one of the largest armored recovery vehicles (ARV) currently in use by United States Armed Forces. There are currently three variants, the M88, M88A1 and M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction System). The M88 series has seen action most noticeably in the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan, and to a lesser extent during the Kosovo War, where they were deployed to help recover heavy armored vehicles of the Allied ground units. The current M88A2 replacement cost is around US$2,050,000. The M88A2 is slightly larger than its predecessors (8.6 x 3.7 x 3.2 m compared to 8.3 x 3.4 x 3.2 m) thus retains a lower top speed (40 km/h) and a significantly lower road range (322 km compared to 450 km). There have also been improvements in braking and steering. Additionally, the M88A2 has upgraded armor protection including armored track skirts and applique armor panels, which both previous models lack. The M88 is also lacking in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) defenses and a smoke screen generator, which the later M88A1 and M88A2 models are equipped with. Furthermore, the crew number has decreased from 5, to 3-4, to 3 through the series

Source: M88A2 Hercules on Wiki

The M88A2 HERCULES is a powerful armored recovery vehicle that can tow and repair damaged combat vehicles in the battlefield. It is based on the chassis of the M48 and M60 tanks, but has a specially designed hull and a 1,050 hp engine. The M88A2 HERCULES can lift up to 35 tons with its boom and pull up to 140,000 pounds with its main winch. It also has an auxiliary winch and a spade for anchoring.
The M88A2 HERCULES has improved armor protection, steering, braking, and electrical systems compared to the previous variants of the M88 recovery vehicle. It is used by the United States Army and Marine Corps, as well as several other countries. The M88A2 HERCULES is a vital asset for maintaining the operational readiness of heavy armored units.