Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift & Evacuation System (HERCULES) (M88A2)
Additional Media
Mission
Provide towing, winching, and hoisting operations to support battlefield recovery operations and evacuation of heavy tanks and other tracked combat vehicles.
Entered Army Service
1997
Description and Specifications
The M88A2 HERCULES is a full-tracked, armored vehicle that uses the existing M88A1 chassis but significantly improves towing, winching, lifting, and braking characteristics. The HERCULES is the primary recovery support for the Abrams tank fleet, the heavy Assault Bridge, and heavy self-propelled artillery.
- Length: 338 in
- Height: 123 in
- Width: 144 in
- Weight: 70 tons
- Speed: 25 mph w/o load; 17 mph w/ load
- Cruising Range: 200 miles
- Boom Capacity: 35 tons
- Winch Capacity: 70 tons / 670 ft
- Draw Bar Pull: 70 tons
- Armament: One .50-caliber machine gun
- Powertrain: 12 cylinder, 1050 hp air-cooled diesel engine with 3-speed automatic transmission
- Crew: 3
Manufacturer
United Defense, L.P. (York, PA)