BAE Systems Land and Armaments LP, York, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a $69.0 million firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 20 M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System vehicles, and one associated stockage list spares kits.

The M88A2 Armored Recovery Vehicle, aka Hercules, is being repaired and refurbished at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command. (Source picture US Army website)

Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2019.

Fiscal 2016 and 2017 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $69.0 million were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

The M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) is an improved version of the M-88 and M88A1 heavy armoured recovery vehicle. The M88A2 HERCULES is the successor vehicle to the M88A1, which had only a recovery capability of 56 tons. The M88A1’s mission was focused on the M60 Series tank while the M88A2 is focused on the Abrams tank.

The M88A2 HERCULES is a combat-proven, fully-tracked, steel-armored recovery vehicle that performs hoisting, winching, and towing operations for today’s heaviest combat systems. It is equipped to assist in the repair of disabled vehicles under general field conditions and to recover vehicles under hostile fire.

All winches are hydraulically operated. The vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) that provides backup hydraulic and electrical power. The APU also provides power for refueling and fuel transfer. The vehicle carries a crew of three: commander, operator and mechanic. It has compartment space for four members of the recovered vehicle.