BAE Systems to deliver six M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles to Australia

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BAE Systems to deliver six M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles to Australia
The United States' State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million. The principal contractor will be the BAE Systems in York, Pennsylvania.
     
     
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 6 M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles, 7 Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade & Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Trackers (BFT), AN/PSN-13(V) Global Positioning System (GPS) Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR), AN/VAS-5 Driver Vision Enhancers (DVE), AN/VRC-92F with RT-1523F Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), Commander’s Weapon Station assemblies, remote thermal sights, radio harnesses , M239 Grenade Launchers, maintenance support devices, Deep Water Fording Kits, spare and repair parts, supply and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, United States Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost for up to six M88A2s, support and services is $47 million.

The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s capability to conduct heavy ground operations. Australia will use this equipment to support its deterrent capabilities against regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia, which currently operates M88A2s, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional M88A2s into its inventory.

The M88A2 is an improved version of the M-88 and M88A1 heavy armoured recovery vehicle. The upgrade was made after a request from the U.S. Army to safely tow and recover battle-damaged, mired or inoperative Abrams main battle tanks. The M88A2 HERCULES, using M88A1 hulls, modified to specification by Anniston Army Depot, upgrades the basic M88 chassis to meet the increased demands of towing, winching, and lifting the M1, M1A1, and M1A2 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.