RECOV VEH IMPROV PROG

Abstract

The M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES), designated as an ACAT IC program on 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. Currently, the M88A2 is unable to safely perform Single Vehicle Recovery (SVR) of the Abrams tank in all conditions, due to added weight/survivability improvements made to the tank. In order to ensure SVR is met, Project Director- Main Battle Tank Systems (PD-MBTS) will develop and integrate ECP technologies for the M88A2 HERCULES through an Operations and Support (O&S) initiative to meet its operational requirements of SVR throughout its life cycle. This initiative is not intended to exceed current operational capability, but will instead regain SVR capability of the heaviest tracked combat vehicle. Analyses conducted to date suggests that upgrades to the M88A2 track, suspension, hydraulics, engine, transmission and other related components are required to meet single vehicle recovery for the heaviest tracked combat vehicle. FY 2020 Base dollars will continue the design, development, integration, prototype build, as well as pay government salaries. The prototype vehicles will enter testing in FY 2021 to confirm technical solutions meet performance requirements.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2020
• Source ID: 280_0203735A_7_2040_PB_2020

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Military Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.