IMPROVED RECOVERY VEHICLE (M88 HERCULES)

The Improved Recovery Vehicle (M88 HERCULES) is a part of the Army's procurement of Tracked Combat Vehicles. The specific goal of this program is to modernize the M88 Family of Vehicles (FoV) to regain Single Vehicle Recovery (SVR) capabilities due to the increased weight of some of the Army's major combat vehicle systems and the loss of SVR capabilities. This will be achieved by applying the single vehicle recovery Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) that includes modified non-developmental technologies comprising a new Power Train, new Suspension, and Improved Track to the M88A2 vehicle resulting in the M88A3 variant vehicle. The program aims to increase operational readiness rates, improve vehicle safety and operation, and integrate new equipment to meet field requirements.

The program also provides funding for personnel, engineering, design, testing, hardware procurement, and application of improvements to resolve safety, readiness, and vehicle recovery operation issues identified in the field and approved by the Materiel Developer and Combat Developer. These improvements will increase operational readiness rates to meet objectives, improve vehicle safety and operation, and integrate new equipment to meet field requirements. The program also supports requirements for production facilitization updates and improvements at the Vehicle Upgrade and Overhaul Center (VUOC) in Anniston, AL, the manufacturing facility in York, PA, and associated vendors. Additionally, modification priorities include converting the mechanical fuel injection system into an electronic fuel injection system and procurement of kits associated with the Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (AFES) and other safety improvements.