BAE Systems Awarded M88A1 Upgrade Contract In A HERCULES Program Worth $2.1 Billion

BAE Systems received a $28.7 million contract to upgrade 11 M88A1 Medium Recovery vehicles to the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES) configuration. 

HERCULES is the improved recovery system of choice for today’s 70-ton combat vehicles. The award brings the total value of U.S. Government contracts that BAE Systems has been awarded on the HERCULES program to $2.1 billion.

“This contract demonstrates the continued need to invest in the HERCULES and shows the Army’s commitment to the irreplaceable role it serves.” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager or Armored Combat Systems at BAE Systems. 

Key upgrades for the HERCULES include: improved power-assisted braking, steering, winching, hoisting, and increased horsepower. HERCULES has the lowest acquisition, operational and maintenance cost of any 70-ton capable recovery system, answering the need for cost-effective, self-supporting heavy recovery performance. The M88A2 provides unparalleled capability for recovering today’s 70-ton combat vehicles including the M1A1, M1A2, Leopard MBT, bridging systems, and other medium weight vehicles.

The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command with deliveries in March 2014.