The M88A2: A Different Kind of Exotic

Although the exotic vehicles we tend to write about here have four wheels and not a wheeled track, it caught our eye that when it comes to modifying these vehicles, the price tag is most certainly in the ultra-high category, so. . . .

That is, the U.S. Army has awarded a $153.6-million contract to BAE Systems to convert 53 M88A1 recovery vehicles to the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES).

That’s right: 53 vehicles; $153.6-million.

But know that this is a non-trivial mod.

That is, the HERCULES version features a 70,000-lb. boom that is able to hoist and tow twice the weight of the earlier version, the M88A1. It carries a 70-ton constant pull winch and 280 ft. of cable.

It is said to be the “only vehicle” capable to recovering the M1 Abrams tank, as well as the heaviest mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) variants.

As for other specs of the M88A2:

· Overall length: 338 in.

· Width: 144 in.

· Height: 124 in.

· Horsepower: 1,050 @ 2,400 rpm

· Top speed: 30 mph

· Personnel capacity: 7

· Cruising range: 300 miles

· GVWR: 140,000 lb.

Looking at that GVWR: the name “HERCULES” is certainly appropriate.