M88 Hercules

History of the M88 Hercules

The M88 Hercules family of Armored Rescue Vehicles (ARVs) was introduced in the early 1960s and has since undergone three main variants - the M88, M88A1 ??and M88A2. Hercules are designed to recover heavy military vehicles, such as the M1 Abrams main battle tank, while providing protection for their own task force under fire.

ARVs are often required to tow vehicles that have been stopped by the environment or permanently disabled by enemy fire.

The Hercules line originally appeared as the 1961 M88 model, classified as a "medium recycling vehicle" and in service during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). This variant has the automotive capabilities of the M48 "Patton" medium tank. The M88 was followed by an improved M88A1 ??model in 1977 and reclassified as a "heavy recovery vehicle", with auto parts now based on the chassis of the M60 "Patton" main battle tank. The current form in service is the larger M88A2 Hercules from 1991, which features various improvements - at the expense of reduced range - and reduces the standard crew from five to three.

The M88A2 model was authorized to tow the M1 Abrams main battle tank, a task that initially required two M88A1 ??models.

Hercules crews are protected from small arms and artillery fire on the battlefield. Self-defense is provided by a 12.7 mm (0.50 caliber) heavy machine gun, usually carrying 1,300 rounds of ammunition. 12 smoke grenade launchers provide a self-checking technique.

M88 Hercules are used by various global powers and US allies, including Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Pakistan and Turkey. Nearly 1,600 examples of these have been produced since 1961 and have served in countless conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries. The U.S. Army procured about 629, while the U.S.

Marine Corps also procured 69.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

1,300x12.7mm ammo.

12 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes