Frag Out! Magazine
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nition used in Soviet 2A42 and 2A72 30 mm automatic cannons. The engine was also replaced with a more modern AVDS1790-8CR unit, though still producing 1,050 horsepower. Interestingly, during their service, M88A2 have undergone some modifications to achieve limited unification with the M1. There have been cases of vehicles upgraded by replacing the comman- der's observation cupola, which featured an external mount for the M2 HMG, with a CWS (Commander Weapon Station) cupola, as used on M1A1 and their variants. The CWS cupola integrates a remotely operated M2 station, allowing the commander to use the weapon without opening the hatch and exposing themselves to enemy fire. The CWS cupola has electric azimuth controls, while elevation adjustments are made via a small hand crank. The CWSS (Commander Weapon Station Sight) is a simple periscopic sight with a 3x magnification. Additionally, the cupola features six large periscopes, with the front one also usable for aiming, as simple iron sights are mounted under the M2's cradle. In vehicles not equipped with CWS cupolas, various types of ballistic shields were installed on the old cupolas, ranging from those used on M113 ar- mored personnel carriers to more modern constructions found on gun stations of various HMMWVs, FMTVs, MTVRs, HEMTTs, and MRAPs. CWS cupolas were likely directly transferred from M1A1SA (US Army) and M1A1FEP (USMC) tanks, which received more modern SCWS (Stabilized Commander Weapon Station) cupolas in their place, featuring full stabilization, electric drives in azimuth and elevation, and modern electro-optics, including the RTS (Remote Thermal Sight) thermal sight with 3x, 6x, and 9x magnification. Naturally, the ongoing development of the M1 tank family and the increase in their mass has caused issues with the M88A2 recove- ry vehicles, particularly when dealing with the latest M1A2SEPv3 variant, especially in difficult terrain. In total, the US Army currently operates around 698 M88 vehicles of all versions, with most upgraded to the M88A2 version. M88A3 HERCULES Due to the aforementioned issues, the US Army commissioned BAE Systems to develop an upgrade, and the new vehicle has alre- ady been designated M88A3. The main enhancement is the repla- cement of the powertrain with a more modern one featuring a more powerful engine, which is somewhat unconventional as it utilizes a commercial industrial design from Caterpillar. The selected model is the C32 ACERT, a four-stroke, 12-cylinder, V-type diesel engine with direct injection, a turbocharger, and aftercooling. This engine generates a power output of 1350 HP at 2100 RPM, with a torque of 6166 Nm at 1400 RPM. Interestingly, this engine can achieve even greater power, up to 1900 HP at 2200 RPM; howe- ver, the version used in the M88A3 is most likely limited for safety reasons and to extend the lifespan of the engine and transmission. The compression ratio for the C32 engine is 16.5:1. For the sake of comparison, the MTU MB873 Ka501, which powers the Leopard 2 tank family and specialized vehicles based on it, inc- luding the Bergepanzer 3 recovery vehicle, has a power of 1500 HP at around 2600 RPM, but its torque is only 4700 Nm. When towing damaged vehicles for evacuation, torque is very crucial alongside engine power. M88A2 with CWS cupola during training in the use of the vehicle's defensive weapons. Photo: Lance Cpl. Reine Whitaker www.fragoutmag.com