History: The M88A1E1 Hercules Recovery Vehicle will provide towing capability for modern and future tanks. The Hercules is replacing the present M88 which is unable to tow the newer, heavier M1A1 tanks.







Description: System improvements consist of an upgraded power pack (engine and transmission), higher winch and hoist capacities, increased tow/breaking performance, and increased armor protection. The Hercules includes additional weight (approximately 70 tons), an upgraded suspension, power-assisted brakes, and an improved hydraulic system. The Hercules will possess an auxiliary power unit to operate no-load recovery components and impact tools without running the engine. Additionally, the Hercules will be transportable worldwide by highway, rail, marine, and air in accordance with the Military Traffic Management Command Transportation Engineering Agency (MTMCTEA) transportability engineering analysis.







General Characteristics, M88A1E1





Manufacturer:

BMY Combat Systems Division







Power Plant:

12 cylinder, air cooled, supercharged, fuel injection diesel engine







Length:

27.13 feet (8.27 meters)







Width:

11.25 feet (3.43 meters)







Height:

10.25 feet (3.12 meters)







Weight, Gross, Fully Loaded:

70 tons







Performance: Vehicle Speed:

30 mph (maximum)







Cruising Range:

300 miles













Fording Depth:

Without kit: 56 inches

With kit: 102 inches







Grade ascending:

60%







Trench crossing:

103 inches







Boom capacity:

Spade up: 6 tons

Spade down: 35 tons







Fuel capacity:

400 gallons







Crew:

Four enlisted







Unit Replacement Cost:

$2,050,000