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M88A1E1 Hercules Recovery Vehicle

The M88A1E1 IRV was intended to replace the M88, which is unable to tow the newer, heavier M1A1 tanks.

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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

The M88A1E1 Improved Recovery Vehicle was intended to replace the M88, which is unable to tow the newer, heavier M1A1 tanks. 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. The M88E1 was cancelled to provide funding for the new M109A6 howitzer, though development of the M88A1E1 restarted in 1991. The M88A1E1 IRV was type classified as the M88A2.