RECOV VEH IMPROV PROG

Abstract

The M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES), designated as an Acquisition Category (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 M88A2 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 single vehicle recovery is met, Project Manager- Main Battle Tank Systems (PM-MBTS) will develop and integrate Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) technologies for the M88A2 HERCULES through an initiative to meet its operational requirements of single vehicle recovery throughout its life cycle. This initiative is not intended to exceed current operational capability, but will instead regain single vehicle recovery 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. Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Base dollars will fund preparations for USG prototype testing and continue the Program Management Office support; to include labor, training, travel, supplies, and equipment to effectively manage the program. Program starts Government System Level test and verification, along with Logistics Demonstration activities within FY 2023. Program will conduct system verification review to ensure readiness to proceed to production. The system verification review will be followed by production readiness review at the end of FY23.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2023
Source ID
280_0203735A_7_2040_PB_2023

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

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

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