Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1528235
Various propulsion options were considered, but the most promi- sing combination was the AVI1790-8 engine and XT1400 transmis- sion. After reviewing all concepts, the commission recommended designing the ARV from scratch but ensuring it was as unified as possible with the M48. Funds were allocated for two studies, one contract awarded to Bowen-McLaughlin Inc. and the other to Pacific Car & Foundry Company. Additionally, Food Machinery and Chemical Company presented its own proposal. Although the overall design was similar across all proposals, dif- ferences existed in winch placement. Pacific Car & Foundry, for example, suggested placing them at the rear of the hull. Ultimately, in October 1955, it was decided that the winches should be at the front, and the work on three prototypes based on Bowen-McLau- ghlin's design was authorized. A contract was awarded on April 26th, 1956. There were delays in the project. During a meeting at the Ordnance Tank Automotive Command, it was noted that the vehicle was 90% complete, with orders for all essential components already placed. However, finding a subcontractor for the castings needed to weld the hull proved to be a challenge. At the time, the T95 medium tank project was considered promi- sing, so it was proposed to halt work on the T88 and develop a new variant based on the T95, designated T88E1. Ultimately, the T95 program was canceled, and work on the original T88 continued. Various changes were considered, such as replacing the AVI1790- M88 during the Vietnam War. You can see a rather unusual solution in the form of a second M2 machine gun position by the mechanic's hatch. M88 and M88A1 Works on a new Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) began on Octo- ber 7th, 1954. The US Army immediately defined the tactical and technical requirements for the new vehicle, which was given the experimental designation T88. On December 16, 1954, a conference was held at the Detroit Arse- nal, where officials evaluated three design concepts. The first, pre- sented by Bowen-McLaughlin Inc., proposed converting the M48 medium tank into an ARV. This conversion would involve removing not only the turret but the entire front section of the hull, replacing it with a new structure featuring a fixed superstructure to accom- modate all necessary equipment. The vehicle was equipped with an A-shaped crane arm capable of lifting 22.67 tons to a height of 5.85 meters. Tracks from the M47 medium tank, with a width of 584.2 mm, were also installed. The vehicle featured two winches, a main winch with a capacity of 45.35 tons, and a crane winch with a capacity of 22.67 tons. Although Bowen-McLaughlin's proposal was attractive, it was ultimately recommended not to proceed with converting the M48 tanks into ARVs due to doubts about the availability of a number of hulls sufficient for conversion. Instead, it was suggested that a completely new hull be designed from scratch, incorporating as many solutions from the conversion project as possible. The second and third concepts presented were essentially the same, with some differences. Concept two featured a lower cabin, while concept three had a larger cabin that was incompatible with railway transport restrictions on width and height. Photo: Starry, Donn A Mounted combat in Vietnam. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY www.fragoutmag.com