Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1528235
M88A2 HERCULES In 1984, BMY began work on upgrading the M88A1. The first result was a prototype designated M88AX. The AVDS1790-2DR engine, with its 750 HP, was replaced with a more powerful AVD- S1790-8AR engine paired with a new XT1410-5A transmission (3 forward gears, 1 reverse). The AVDS1790-8AR was a 12-cylinder, V-type turbocharged diesel engine with 1,050 HP and 3,400 Nm of torque at 2400 RPM. Ballast was added to increase the vehicle's weight to 58.96 tons. The M88AX prototype was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for testing in April 1985. The tests were general- ly successful, as the vehicle could safely and efficiently tow M1 tanks, while still being able to support older M60s. Additionally, the M88AX demonstrated better mobility than the M88A1. Some issues with the brakes arose during the tests, but after appropriate modifications, subsequent tests were satisfactory. However, it was decided to conduct additional tests using the M1A1 tank. Although there were concerns that the engine and transmis- sion combination might not be suitable for simultaneously moving the vehicle and towing another tank, (as these were designed for mobility and high speeds), these concerns were proven unfounded during testing. The AGT1500 gas turbine, paired with the X1100-3B transmission, performed well in towing operations and surpassed the capabilities of the M88AX. In 1987, BMY was awarded a contract to further develop the M88AX and deliver five prototypes, designated M88A1E1. The need for a new ARV became more urgent with the increasing number of M1A1 entering service. The fuel capacity of the M88A1E1 was increased from 1,514.16 liters to 1,703.43 liters, allowing the heavier vehicle to maintain a maximum range of 482.8 km. The vehicle retained the A-shaped crane, but its capacity was increased to 27.21 tons, while the pull of the main winch was increased to 63.50 tons. In the meantime, TACOM anticipated the need to introduce an en- tirely new recovery vehicle, in mid-1985, operational requirements for a new recovery vehicle were formulated, preliminarily designa- ted as RV90 (Recovery Vehicle 90), though other designations such as XM90 also appeared. The new ARV was built on the chas- sis of the M1A1 MBT. The RV90 was equipped with a rotating crane with a capacity of 31.75 metric tons. The powertrain was the same as that of the M1A1, featuring an AGT1500 gas turbine engine with 1,500 HP and an X1100-3B transmission, giving the RV90 significantly bet- ter performance compared to the M88A1E1. Interestingly, in Sep- Two M88A2s can lift main battle tanks weighing over 60 tons, such as the M1A1 and M1A2 vehicles, using their cranes. Photo: US Army www.fragoutmag.com