The U.S. Army today placed an order for M88A2 HERCULES vehicles with BAE Systems.
The contract for M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES) vehicles is valued $127.6 million.
The HERCULES was the primary 70-ton recovery system during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It offers offers operational and logistics commonality with the existing M88A1 fleet, simplifying training and parts availability. Key upgrades include improved power-assisted braking, improved steering, improved electrical system and increased engine horsepower.
The M88A2 HERCULES features overlay armor protection, ballistic skirts, a longer 35-ton boom, a 140,000-pound (63,504 kg) constant pull main winch with 280 feet of cable, and an auxiliary three-ton winch to aid main winch cable deployment.