Move Over AAA, Make Way For This 140,000-Pound-Capacity Hauler From pulling the statue of Saddam Hussein down in 2003 to clearing vehicles hit by roadside bombs to its rebuilding tasks in Afghanistan today, the M88A2 Hercules performs many labors. This is the tow truck our military calls into action when one of our M1 Abrams main battle tanks needs a ride on the hook. The M88A2 is based on the M88 and M88A1 medium-weight recovery vehicles designed in the ’60s by Bowen McLaughlin York. The vehicle’s chassis is based on parts used in the M48 Patton and M60 tank. The key upgrades of the M88A2 (from the M88A1) include improved power steering and braking, an updated electrical system, and increased horsepower. MIL-SPEC: M88A2 Hercules Manufacturer: BAE Systems Engine: L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS) AVDS-1790-8A Type: 90-degree V-12 with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) Forced induction: Turbocharged with intercooler; airflow is 2,045 cfm Bore and stroke: 5.75 inches x 5.75 inches Compression ratio: 14.5:1 Lubrication capacity: 23 gallons Fuel consumption at 2,400 rpm: 415 pounds per hour Fuel type: JP-8, DF-A, DF-1, DF-2 Cooling system: Air-cooled, certified for temperatures of up to 125 degrees Normal oil temperature: 180 degrees at 60 degrees ambient Maximum oil temperature: 260 degrees at 115 degrees ambient Engine Weight: 5,100 pounds Horsepower: 1,050 at 2,400 rpm Torque: 2,510 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm Drivetrain: XT-1410-5A cross-drive transmission with three forward gears and one reverse gear Gross Vehicle Weight: 140,000 pounds Personnel capacity: 7 Speed: 26 to 30 mph Braking distance with load at 15 mph: 50 feet Braking distance without load at 20 mph: 35 feet Estimated cruising range: 300 miles Slope it can climb: 60 percent Trench crossing: 103 inches Vertical wall crossing: 42 inches Overall length: 338 inches Width: 144 inches Height: 124 inches Ground clearance: 16 inches The United States Marine Corps’ A Company 2nd Tank Battalion out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, used two M88A2 Hercules heavy recovery vehicles to lift a grader onto a trailer in Afghanistan. With the front spade lowered, the boom and hoist winch is rated to lift 35 tons. The main winch is rated for 70 tons with a straight pull and 140 tons with a 2:1 pull. A 3-ton winch aids main winch cable deployment. All winches are hydraulically powered.The United States Marine Corps’ A Company 2nd Tank Battalion out of Camp Lejeune, North Ca Manufactured in Muskegon, Michigan, the AVDS-1790 engine has a high power density, partly due to its extensive use of aluminum components. Two engine-driven fans (mounted in the lifter valley of the engine) provide air cooling for the engine cylinders, engine oil, transmission oil, and intercooler. This diesel is completely waterproof and can be totally submerged with the addition of a snorkel. It also has a 650-amp, oil-cooled alternator.Manufactured in Muskegon, Michigan, the AVDS-1790 engine has a high power density, partly A power pack is lifted from an M88A2 by an M88A2. The Hercules also comes equipped with a Minowitz Manufacturing 10.8hp two-cylinder diesel auxiliary power unit (small engine) that provides backup hydraulic and electrical power. These vehicles are not only a rolling workshop—they’re also home to the crew of the four Diesel Power enthusiasts who sent us these images.A power pack is lifted from an M88A2 by an M88A2. The Hercules also comes equipped with a SOURCES BAE Systems 1601 Research Blvd. Rockville MD 20850 301-838-6000 www.baesystems.com L-3 Communications www.l-3com.com By Jason Thompson Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
