Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1528235
Another significant enhancement, which also serves as a modifi- cation to standardize the base of essential components with the M1A2SEPv3, is the use of the Allison X1100-3B1 transmission. This is an improved version of the already proven X1100-3B, but unfortunately, little is known about the specific improvements made beyond generalities, such as being more reliable and suited for a heavier vehicle. The third significant improvement is the implementation of a new In-Arm hydropneumatic suspension unit. This means that all the essential suspension components responsible for its operation are located within the arm of the wishbone, and the entire unit is mounted externally to the hull using bolts. This design allows the suspension to save space inside the hull, unlike torsion bars; it better dampens vibrations and has the capability to adjust gro- und clearance and lock the suspension, which aids in extracting a disabled vehicle using a winch. An identical suspension can also be used in the M1 family, which has been repeatedly tested with positive results, and the US Army is working to adapt such a su- spension. Additionally, the M88A3 has improved winching capabilities; the main winch can now pull vehicles weighing up to about 72.57 tons, and the crane winch can lift objects weighing up to 36.28 tons. This allows the vehicle to comfortably extract a tank such as the M1A2SEPv3, weighing 66.6 tons, from difficult terrain or lift its tur- ret for maintenance. The M88A3 undoubtedly has many more improvements that have yet to be revealed. Moreover, this variant is still undergoing testing, and further significant changes may occur in its design. Exports M88 family ARVs are among the most widely exported vehic- les of their type. One of the first foreign users was West Ger- many, which purchased 125 units of the M88A1, used under the name Bergepanzer 1, serving from 1962 to 2000. Other users of the M88A1 include Austria (10), Bahrain (4), Brazil (17), Egypt (221), Greece (95), Israel (25), Jordan (52), Lebanon (35), Morocco (81), Pakistan (52), Portugal (8), Sau- di Arabia (78), Spain (1), Sudan (2), Republic of China (37), Thailand (22), Tunisia (6), and Turkey (33). The M88A2 va- riant is used by Australia (19), Iraq (29), Kuwait (14), Saudi Arabia (20), Republic of China (14), and Thailand (6). It sho- uld be noted that some of this data may be outdated. Poland will become another M88A2 user soon, following the signing of a contract for the purchase of 250 M1A2SEPv3 tanks along with support vehicles, logistics, and training packages. According to currently available information, Po- land is set to buy 26 M88A2, which may be upgraded to the M88A3 in the future. Summary The M88 ARVs have been in service for over 61 years. They are therefore a proven design but also quite old. They are often criticized for being conceptually outdated vehicles. Despite this, in-depth upgrades are extending their service M88A2 descending from LCAC hovercraft. CWS observation dome is clearly visible, as well as air pipes for deep wading. Photo: Sgt. Devin Nichols VEHICLES