Recov Veh Improv Prog
Abstract
The M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES), a designated ACAT IC program since 15 Jun 2016, has been providing towing, winching, and hoisting operations to support battlefield recovery operations and evacuation of heavy tanks and other tracked combat vehicles since its production and deployment in 1998. The HERCULES recovers tanks mired to different depths, removes M1 Abrams turrets and power packs, and uprights overturned heavy combat vehicles. The HERCULES provides Single Vehicle Recovery of the 70 Ton Abrams tank. The 1998 Operational Requirements Document (ORD) required Single Vehicle Recovery (SVR) of a 70T Main Battle Tank. The Abrams SEPv2 CURRENTLY exceeds the 70T ORD requirement and the M88A2 is unable to safely perform SVR of MBT in all conditions. SEPv3 further exacerbates the problem. Current doctrine requires a holdback vehicle for loads > 70T and the M88A2 multi-vehicle towing is not resourced or trained. The approved CPD as of 10 Jan 2017, requires the Improved M88A2 (M88A2E1) to enable “Single Vehicle Recovery of the heaviest tracked combat vehicle.” Technical assessments and analyses will be used to clarify the capability gap (Single Vehicle Recovery), evaluate design solution concepts, and inform key program decision points. The goal of the assessments will be to provide confidence to Army Leadership that a M88A2E1 solution is affordable, achievable, and technologically feasible with manageable risk. Limited analyses, conducted to date, suggests that upgrades to the M88A2 track, suspension, transmission, hydraulics and potentially powertrain are required. FY 2018 Base dollars in the amount of $5 million will be used to support M88A2 baseline testing and conduct sub-system trade analyses. FY 2018 Base dollars will also be used for Program Management Support and Contractor and Government Systems Engineering for labor and travel to effectively manage the program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 280_0203735A_7_2040_PB_2018
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