BAE Systems will convert the U.S. Army’s armored recovery vehicles to a M88A3 configuration under a $318M contract in an effort to help the service branch address its single-vehicle requirement for Abrams tank towing operations.
The Army awarded the contract using other transactional authority as part of the M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System modernization program, BAE said Tuesday.
Dennis Hancock, recovery programs director at BAE’s combat vehicles business, said the company has worked with the service branch and industry partners to create a new platform intended to recover disabled tanks on the battlefield.
The company developed M88A3 HERCULES through a three-year research and development investment.
The latest configuration is designed to have new powertrain, suspension and track features, a seventh road wheel and hydropneumatic suspension units.
Contract work will take place at BAE facilities in Alabama, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
